New York: On March 15th, the International Day for Combating Islamophobia, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the ‘Resolution Against Islamophobia’, a significant measure aimed at addressing and combating Islamophobia globally.
Sponsored by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, this pivotal resolution received support from 115 countries. While forty-four countries abstained from voting, it is noteworthy that no country voted against the measure.
This resolution mandates the United Nations to appoint a special envoy dedicated to fighting Islamophobia globally. It builds on the momentum of the first resolution, which established the International Day for Combating Islamophobia two years prior, as reviewed by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Munir Akram.
The text explicitly condemns any incitement to religious hatred, discrimination, hostility, or violence against Muslims. It calls upon member states to enact measures that prevent religious intolerance, negative stereotypes, hatred, and incitement to violence against Muslims, including making incitement to violence on religious grounds illegal.
In response to the resolution’s adoption, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the critical challenge Islamophobia presents to global society. He highlighted the widespread occurrence of anti-Muslim hate and discrimination in various forms, including systemic discrimination, socioeconomic exclusion, unequal immigration policies, and unjust surveillance and profiling.
Guterres pointed out the destructive impact of institutional barriers on the principles of human rights and dignity, perpetuating cycles of exclusion and disenfranchisement. He also noted the role of divisive rhetoric in fostering stereotypes and suspicion among communities, potentially leading to harassment and violence against Muslims.
Stressing the importance of collective action against such bigotry, Guterres reminded the Assembly of the significant role Islam and Muslims play in the fabric of global culture, philosophy, and science. He underscored that Islam, a faith that unites approximately two billion people worldwide, is integral to our shared history and humanity’s diversity.
By adopting this resolution, the UN General Assembly takes a significant step towards promoting equality, understanding, and respect for human rights, vital for a peaceful future in a world where Muslims contribute richly to the global community.
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