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

 

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution titled “Measures to Combat Islamophobia,” sponsored by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The resolution calls for the appointment of a special envoy to address the crisis of Islamophobia, receiving support from 115 countries. The resolution condemns any call for religious hatred and urges member states to take necessary actions to eliminate religious intolerance, stereotypes, hatred, negativity, and incitement to violence against Muslims.

The UAE emphasized the need to promote tolerance, peaceful co-existence, and human fraternity, work with actors across society to combat hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, and strengthen cooperation with the private sector. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the effectiveness of the ‘International Day for Combating Islamophobia’ in highlighting the rise of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry, which can come in various forms, including structural and systemic discrimination, unwarranted surveillance and profiling, and restrictions in accessing citizenship.

The resolution also highlighted the significant contributions made by Muslims scholars in science, philosophy, and culture, stating that they represent the wonderful diversity of the human family. HE Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the UN in New York, described the resolution as “critical and timely” and highlighted the need to take three key actions: promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, tackling hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, and strengthening cooperation with the private sector, especially social media companies.

The UAE is committed to working with the international community in promoting universal principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence to ensure a safer, more stable, and prosperous future. The Gulf state does not tolerate intolerance and makes everyone accountable for such deeds, while the UAE is putting considerable efforts towards reducing inequality within and among countries to fulfill the UN SDG of ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’.