The United Nations took a stand against Islamophobia last week, passing a resolution with overwhelming support. Here’s a breakdown:
The “Measures to Combat Islamophobia” resolution garnered 115 votes in favor, with no opposing votes and 44 abstentions. The resolution calls for the UN Secretary-General to appoint a special envoy dedicated to fighting Islamophobia. The Secretary-General will submit a report this fall to the General Assembly detailing efforts to combat Islamophobia.
This resolution comes amidst rising anti-Muslim sentiment globally.The UN previously condemned Quran burning and violence against all holy books. A group of European nations proposed amendments to weaken the resolution. These amendments were rejected by a narrow margin.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned hate speech and its role in fueling real-world violence. He emphasized the need for online platforms to moderate content and protect users. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged for “faith literacy” – education about different religions – to combat religious hatred.
The UN urges governments to record Islamophobic incidents and implement anti-discrimination legislation. Leaders are called upon to condemn inflammatory rhetoric and safeguard religious freedom. The ultimate goal is to promote understanding, social cohesion, and peaceful societies.
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia was established after the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) highlighted the recent rise in Islamophobia.
This resolution signifies a significant step by the UN in addressing Islamophobia. It remains to be seen how effective the special envoy and other measures will be in combating this global issue.