Islamabad, In a significant development, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution spearheaded by Pakistan, which calls for a global effort to counteract the escalating violence against Muslims by appointing a special envoy to combat Islamophobia. The resolution, representing a collective stance against religious discrimination, was passed with an overwhelming majority, marking a pivotal moment in the international community’s fight against Islamophobia.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the resolution, known as ‘Measures to Combat Islamophobia’, secured approval from 113 member states, with none opposing and 44 abstaining. Notably, India and several European countries opted to abstain from the vote. The adoption of the resolution followed the rejection of two amendments proposed by a consortium of European nations, highlighting the global divide on the issue.
The initiative, brought forth on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, underscores the urgent need to address the rampant discrimination and violence facing Muslims globally. Ambassador Akram pointed out that Islamophobia, manifested through both societal attitudes and state policies, has seen an alarming increase, necessitating concerted international efforts to stem this tide.
The resolution’s adoption by the UN General Assembly signals a crucial step towards recognizing and actively combating Islamophobia on a global scale, with the proposed appointment of a special envoy dedicated to this cause. This move is expected to bolster international collaboration and foster a more inclusive and tolerant world.