The United Nations adopts a resolution on “Islamophobia” – Algerian Dialogue

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning any call for religious hatred and incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence against Muslims.

The resolution submitted by Pakistan during a meeting held yesterday, Friday, on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Hatred of Islam on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, called for the appointment of a special United Nations envoy concerned with combating “Islamophobia.”

The resolution, entitled “Measures to Combat Islamophobia,” was approved by 115 countries, while 44 countries abstained from voting, and no country voted against it.

In its resolution, the General Assembly called on Member States to take the necessary measures to combat religious intolerance, stereotypes, negativity, hatred, and incitement and practice of violence against Muslims, and to prohibit, by law, incitement and practice of violence on the basis of religion or belief.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Islamophobia is a malicious epidemic that represents a complete denial and ignorance of Islam, Muslims, and their undeniable contributions.”

Guterres added in his speech: “Around the world, we see a rising wave of hatred and intolerance against Muslims, which can come in many forms, including structural and systemic discrimination, social and economic exclusion, unequal immigration policies, unjustified surveillance and profiling, and restrictions on access to immigration.” Citizenship, education, employment and justice.”

The Secretary-General considered that all of this could lead to “an increase in harassment and even outright violence against Muslims, of which increasing accounts are being reported by civil society groups in countries around the world.”