On a significant day marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution titled "Measures to Combat Islamophobia".
The resolution, proposed by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, saw broad support with 115 countries voting in favor, while 44 abstained, and no countries voted against.
The resolution includes a groundbreaking call for the appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy dedicated to tackling Islamophobia.
This move follows the establishment of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia two years ago, highlighting the global commitment to addressing religious hatred and discrimination.
Among its critical points, the resolution condemns all forms of incitement to religious hatred, discrimination, hostility, or violence against Muslims.
It points to an alarming rise in incidents such as the desecration of the Quran, and attacks on mosques, religious sites, and shrines, signaling an urgent need for international action.
The General Assembly's resolution urges member states to adopt concrete measures to counteract religious intolerance, stereotypes, negative profiling, and hatred.
It emphasizes the importance of legally prohibiting any incitement to violence based on religion or belief, underscoring a collective responsibility toward safeguarding human rights and dignity.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the occasion as a critical moment to address the "malignant pandemic of Islamophobia" that reflects a profound ignorance of Islam and the undeniable contributions of Muslims worldwide.
Guterres pointed to a troubling global increase in hatred and bigotry against Muslims, manifested through various forms of discrimination and exclusion.
Guterres noted that such institutional barriers not only violate global commitments to human rights but also perpetuate cycles of exclusion, poverty, and deprivation that echo across generations.
He stressed the harmful impact of divisive rhetoric and misinformation in fostering stereotypes, stigmatizing communities, and creating environments rife with misunderstanding and suspicion.
The Secretary-General expressed concern over the increasing instances of harassment and outright violence against Muslims, calling out the shameful exploitation of such hatred for political gains.
He emphasized the destructive cycle where hatred begets more hatred, undermining societal cohesion, equality, understanding, and respect for human rights.
Guterres underscored the significant contributions of Muslim scholars to culture, philosophy, and science, reminding the world of Islam's role as a unifying force of faith and a foundational pillar of our shared history.
In the spirit of Ramadan, he renewed calls for peace in conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan, urging leaders across the spectrum to join the call for harmony, asserting that the time for peace has come.
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