islamophobia, that is, discrimination and hatred towards Muslims, is a serious problem that is being faced in many parts of the world. This growing wave of negative sentiment and radicalization towards Islam is dividing the society and has become an important issue for governments charged with the responsibility of providing relief to those who spread the fire of hatred.
During this islamophobia discussion held in the United Nations General Assembly, India gave its opinion regarding the issue of Islamophobia. India said religious fear should be understood not only towards Islam but also towards other religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and others. This clarification is important because religious discrimination and hatred are not just for one community, but are a threat to all humanity.
The issue of increasing Islamophobia across the world was raised in the United Nations General Assembly on Friday. Pakistan presented a resolution titled ‘Measures to combat Islamophobia’ in the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, on which 115 countries voted in favor of the resolution. Whereas 44 countries including India, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine and Britain abstained from voting on this. It is also worth noting here that no member country opposed this proposal.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has held social media responsible for the spread of Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry. At the same time, India distanced itself from the proposal regarding ‘Islamophobia’ and said that instead of just one religion, the prevalence of ‘religious fear’ against Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and other religions facing violence and discrimination should also be accepted. . During this time, when Pakistan’s envoy mentioned the Ram temple located in Ayodhya, India expressed strong objection.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, condemned all acts motivated by anti-Semitism, ‘Christophobia’ and Islamophobia (prejudice against Islam). He said it is important to acknowledge that this kind of ‘phobia’ (prejudice) extends beyond the Abrahamic religions. Explaining India’s position on the resolution, he said, ‘Clear evidence shows that for decades, followers of non-Abrahamic religions have also been affected by religious prejudice. This has given rise to contemporary forms of religious prejudice, particularly anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist and anti-Sikh.’
Ha, ‘The issue of Islamophobia is undoubtedly important, but we must acknowledge that other religions also face discrimination and violence. ‘Allocating resources solely to combat Islamophobia while ignoring the similar challenges faced by other religions may inadvertently perpetuate a sense of exclusion and inequality.’
He said, “It is important to acknowledge that Hinduism, with more than 1.2 billion followers worldwide, Buddhism, with more than 535 million followers, and Sikhism, with more than 30 million followers, are all facing the challenge of religious prejudice. Now the time has come that we accept the prevalence of religious prejudice against all religions instead of one religion.
During this, Pakistan’s envoy Munir Akram also mentioned the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act. Objecting to this, Kamboj said, “It is really unfortunate to be faced with the limited and misguided view of this (Pakistani) delegation on matters related to my country. (The delegation) has raised this issue in the General Assembly especially at a time when it is considering such a matter in which all members are expected to present an informed, in-depth and global perspective. Perhaps the delegation has not mastered it.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has blamed social media for the spread of Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry. “Around the world, we are seeing a rising wave of anti-Muslim hatred and bigotry,” Xinhua news agency quoted Guterres as saying. The UN Chief said that haters are misusing social media to spread their hateful ideologies. He said that online platforms have become the birthplace of hateful ideologies.
Guterres said that this not only divides the society, but also promotes violence. He said, we cannot ignore hatred and bigotry. In today’s time, it is the responsibility of all of us to end anti-Muslim bigotry.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres blamed social media on the issue of Islamophobia. He said that social media platforms are being used to promote hateful ideas and this is promoting division and violence in the society. Therefore, governments should condemn such speeches and especially protect minorities.
To end Islamophobia and other religious discrimination, we have to show understanding and empathy towards all religions. We have to change our thinking and respect the feelings of others. Religious freedom should always be promoted and efforts should be made to establish unity rather than division.