ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has warmly welcomed the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the resolution titled “Measures to Combat Islamophobia” with a resounding majority. Proposed by Pakistan, the resolution received broad support, stressing the need for concerted efforts to address the ongoing violence against Muslims and urging the appointment of a special envoy by the UN Secretary-General to combat Islamophobia.
Before its adoption, titled “Measures to Combat Islamophobia,” the resolution saw a vote of 113 in favor, none against, and 44 abstentions. Notably, India and several European states chose to abstain from voting.
Proposed amendments, aiming to replace crucial language in the resolution, including suggesting a focal point instead of a UN special envoy and removing references to the desecration of the Holy Quran, were dismissed by the Assembly.
The resolution’s significance is heightened by the establishment of International Day, following the tragic attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which claimed 51 lives on March 15, 2019.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release, underscoring Pakistan’s role in presenting the resolution on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This initiative follows the General Assembly Resolution 76/254, designating March 15 as the International Day to combat Islamophobia.
Pakistan applauded the General Assembly’s endorsement of the appointment of a “United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia.” This landmark decision marks the first-ever appointment exclusively aimed at addressing Islamophobia.
The resolution’s adoption is timely, given the escalating incidents of discrimination, violence, and incitement targeting Muslims worldwide, highlighting the urgent need to combat Islamophobia on a global scale.
