International Day for Combating Islamophobia: UAE committed to promoting principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence

The UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution, titled ‘Measures to Combat Islamophobia’ and sponsored by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, on the International Day for Combating Islamophobia observed on March 15.

The resolution calls for the appointment of a special envoy by the UN to address the critical crisis of Islamophobia. It received support from 115 countries, while 44 chose to abstain from voting, and no country opposed the resolution.

The promising resolution condemns any call for religious hatred. The General Assembly urged member states to take necessary actions to eliminate religious intolerance, stereotypes, hatred, negativity, and incitement to violence against Muslims.

Rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the effectiveness of the ‘International Day for Combating Islamophobia’ shines a light on the vicious plague that represents a complete denial and ignorance of Islam and Muslims and their undeniable contributions.

He noted that the global community has been seeing a rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry, stressing it can come in many forms, including structural and systemic discrimination, unwarranted surveillance and profiling, and restrictions in accessing citizenship.

Guterres further emphasised that hatred destroys the fabric of our societies and undermines equality, understanding and respect for human rights. He underscored the importance of not remaining bystanders as hatred and bigotry proliferate across the globe.

During his address to the General Assembly, the Secretary-General also noted the significant contributions made by Muslims scholars in science, philosophy and culture, adding: “[Muslims] represent the wonderful diversity of the human family.”

“You do not have to be Muslim to reject intolerance”

HE Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the UN in New York, described the resolution on “Measures to Combat Islamophobia” adopted on Friday as “critical and timely”.

In his statement delivered at the high-level event, he highlighted that incidences of Islamophobia have skyrocketed globally, triggering concerning levels of harassment, hate speech, physical and online abuse, and the desecration of holy books and religious sites.

“Public acts of religious hatred are proliferating,” he noted, adding that UN reports indicate terrorist groups are exploiting the burning of the Holy Quran to inspire acts of terror in Europe. “You do not have to be Muslim to reject intolerance.”

Despite substantial action to combat intolerance, Islamophobia is spreading like a plague across the globe through innovative tools. The digital era has opened the flood gates to online hate speech, extremism and intolerance, disinformation and misinformation.

UAE promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence

His Excellency noted the need to take the following three key actions:

1. Promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and human fraternity

2. Tackling hate speech, misinformation and disinformation

3. Governments bolstering cooperation with private sector, especially social media companies

In the conclusion, he highlighted the UAE’s commitment to working with the international community in promoting the universal principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence to ensure a safer, more stable and prosperous future.

The Gulf state does not tolerate intolerance in any way and makes everyone accountable for such deeds. The Emirates is putting considerable efforts towards reducing inequality within and among countries to fulfil the UN SDG of ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions‘.