India urges global recognition of religious discrimination as a universal issue at the United Nations.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to condemning religious intolerance, including against Muslims, while emphasizing that religious discrimination is a broader global challenge affecting all faiths, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Recognizing Religious Discrimination as a Universal Issue
“We stand united with the UN membership in condemning incidents of religious intolerance against Muslims. However, it is also imperative to recognize that religious discrimination is a broader challenge that affects followers of all faiths,” said P Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, during an informal UN General Assembly meeting on Friday, as reported by PTI.
Harish, who addressed the assembly on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, extended greetings for both Ramadan and Holi, highlighting India’s diverse religious fabric.
India’s Commitment to Religious Pluralism
India, known for its rich cultural and religious diversity, is home to followers of every major world religion, including one of the largest Muslim populations globally, with over 200 million adherents.
Harish also voiced India’s concerns over the rising violence targeting religious sites and communities worldwide. He emphasized that such issues require sustained commitment and action from all nations to ensure equal respect for all religions.
“All countries must commit to equal treatment of their citizens and not implement policies that foster religious discrimination. Additionally, we must ensure that education systems do not perpetuate stereotypes or encourage bigotry,” he stated.
UN Adopts OIC-Backed Resolution on Islamophobia
The UN General Assembly recently endorsed a resolution, backed by 60 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members, declaring March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
The resolution stressed that terrorism and violent extremism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged the troubling rise in anti-Muslim sentiment, noting that many Muslims observe Ramadan while facing fear of discrimination, exclusion, and even violence.
Guterres pointed out that this increase in anti-Muslim bias is part of a larger wave of intolerance, extremism, and attacks against religious groups. He warned that an attack on one community endangers everyone’s freedoms and rights.
A Call for Global Action Against Bigotry
Guterres urged governments to foster social harmony, ensure religious freedoms, and regulate online platforms to curb hate speech.
“We must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination,” he emphasized, calling for global efforts to reject hatred and promote inclusivity.
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