UNGA resolution

AS attempts by bigots and provocateurs to attack Islam’s sacred symbols continue unabated, efforts are also being made at international fora to denounce these despicable acts, and forge a global consensus against hate speech targeting religious sanctities. The latest development in this regard occurred at the UN General Assembly recently, when a resolution was adopted deploring “acts of violence against persons” on the basis of their religious beliefs, along with acts “directed at their religious symbols, holy books … or places of worship”. The resolution was sponsored by Morocco and co-sponsored by Pakistan, while other Muslim states, including Malaysia and Egypt, also helped in the effort. Spain, on behalf of the EU, tried to water down the text, but the majority of states voted against any amendments. This follows the adoption of a resolution condemning religious hatred passed at the UN’s Human Rights Council. Pakistan had spearheaded that effort. These moves come in the wake of vile attempts to attack Islamic symbols in various European states, specifically the burning and desecration of copies of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Denmark.

Efforts to counter such hateful behaviour must continue at all forums. Clearly, the reaction of Muslim states and other countries that believe in universal respect, is having an impact. Some media reports have quoted the Swedish foreign minister as saying that legal efforts are underway to prevent future attempts at desecrating the Quran. Certainly, Western states must use all the tools at their disposal to prevent the repeat of such atrocious behaviour, as hiding behind notions of freedom of expression to justify it is unacceptable. After all, burning the Quran and attacking Islamic sanctities is just the first step. The next step is the actual murder of Muslims, as the Quebec City and Christchurch mosque killings testify. The criminals involved in these atrocities come from the same ideological gene pool as those involved in desecrating Islamic symbols.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2023

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