ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed grave concern over the rise in Islamophobia following recurring incidents of the Holy Quran burning in Nordic countries.
With their governments ‘ approval, strong criticism from Muslim countries was invited. As notorious people desecrated the holy book in Sweden and Denmark in the last few weeks.
In the 18th Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the OIC. A comprehensive resolution was adopt, expressing grave concern over increasing incidents of intolerance, and discrimination. And rising Islamophobia, as told by the Foreign Office. The importance of the 8-point action plan was unanimously agreed upon by the UN Human Rights Council. To counter incitement to hatred, discrimination, stigmatization, and violence based on religion and belief was reaffirmed.
All governments were called upon to fully implement the existing legal and administrative framework or adopt new legislation to protect all individuals against hatred and violence based on religion and belief.
FM Bilawal also attended the 18th extraordinary meeting held in a virtual format. In his address to the CFM, FM Bilawal condemned the Islamophobic and hateful acts of desecration of the Holy Quran in the strongest terms, emphasizing that these acts, and the permission to carry them out, did not constitute freedom of expression.
OIC Expresses Disappointment
The OIC expressed “disappointment” with the response of Sweden and Denmark to a series of Quran burnings that have sparked outrage across the Middle East.
In a statement after the opening session of the meeting, Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called on both countries. To prevent Quran desecration and expressed his disappointment that no measures had been taken in this regard so far. Taha made these remarks during the meeting. Stating that it was unfortunate that the concerned authorities claiming freedom of expression continued to provide licenses to repeat. These acts contrary to international law, leading to a lack of respect for religions.
Following the meeting’s conclusion, the OIC announced that Taha would lead a delegation to the European Union. To urge officials there to take the necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such criminal acts. Under the pretext of freedom of expression.
Additionally, the OIC called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to appoint a special rapporteur on combating Islamophobia.
Bilawal Holds Conversation with Danish Foreign Minister on Recent Quran Desecration Incidents
During the call, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen raised deep concern about the recent incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran in Denmark and other European countries.
While acknowledging the Danish government’s outreach to the Muslim world. And its condemnation of these abhorrent acts. He stresses the need to stop Islamophobic acts that hurt the sentiments of Muslims across the world.
Bilawal also emphasized the need to promote interfaith harmony and religious tolerance.
