Synopsis
India emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach to combat religiophobia during a United Nations assembly, highlighting the importance of recognizing religious discrimination as a universal challenge.Key Takeaways
- India advocates for a comprehensive approach against religiophobia.
- Religious discrimination affects all faiths, not just Islam.
- Inclusivity is crucial in the fight against religious intolerance.
- Education should not perpetuate stereotypes or bigotry.
- All nations must treat citizens equally and reject religious discrimination.
United Nations, March 15 (NationPress) India has urged for a more comprehensive approach to combat bigotry that addresses religiophobia, which encompasses hatred directed at all religions.
Expressing alarm over violence against places of worship and various faiths, India’s Permanent Representative P Harish stated on Friday, “We firmly believe that the route to substantial progress [in combating bigotry] lies in recognizing that religiophobia in its multiple manifestations endangers the fabric of our diverse, global society.”
“It is vital to acknowledge that religious discrimination represents a broader issue that impacts followers of all faiths,” he remarked during a General Assembly observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
“As we commemorate this day, let us keep in mind that the battle against Islamophobia is intertwined with the wider struggle against religious discrimination in all its forms,” he continued.
In alignment with the day’s theme, Harish emphasized, “We stand united with the UN membership in denouncing acts of religious intolerance against Muslims.”
“With over 200 million of its citizens identifying as Muslims, India is home to one of the largest Muslim populations globally,” he stated.
Nearly every major faith has a presence in India, which is the origin of four world religions, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, Harish noted.
“Promoting a world devoid of religious discrimination, animosity, and violence has been a fundamental principle for India since ancient times,” he remarked.
This historical commitment led India to endorse the more comprehensive “Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief,” adopted by the General Assembly in 1981.
Highlighting the necessity for inclusivity in combating bigotry by framing it as a campaign for the defense of all religions, he stated, “In an increasingly divided world, the United Nations should be seen as an entity that transcends differences.”
In alignment with its core mission of fostering peace and security, growth, and development, “any discussions regarding matters of faith must aim to unite rather than divide,” he added.
Harish cautioned about the “alarming rise in violence targeting places of worship and religious communities,” stating, “All nations must pledge to treat all their citizens equally and refrain from implementing policies that foster religious discrimination.”
“We must also ensure that the education system does not propagate stereotypes or incite bigotry,” he asserted.
The UN and its representatives typically focus their initiatives against religious bigotry solely on the three religions with roots tracing back to the Jewish Patriarch Abraham – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which dominate the discourse.
India has previously highlighted the exclusion of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism from this narrative.
Even Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has specifically mentioned only the attacks on these three Abrahamic religions.
Guterres, who is currently in Bangladesh for an iftar with Rohingya refugees, stated, “As Muslims globally unite to observe the holy month of Ramadan, many do so in trepidation – fearing discrimination, exclusion, and even violence.”
He added, without naming other faiths, “This is part of a larger epidemic of intolerance, extremist ideologies, and assaults against religious groups and vulnerable populations.”
“When one group faces attacks, the rights and freedoms of all are jeopardized,” he asserted.
General Assembly President Philomen Yang highlighted the threat to Islam posed by Muslim extremists, which exacerbates Islamophobia.
“Extremists are weaponizing Islam, spreading fear and hatred to fulfill their nefarious goals,” he remarked. “This has perilous consequences for the vast majority of Muslims and other peaceful worshippers.”
“We cannot condone the misuse of Islam for harmful purposes,” he stated.
“Nor can we permit Islamophobia to incite unwarranted hatred and violent actions against an entire community,” he added.
Yang also noted, “Today, we witness a troubling increase in discrimination and violence, not only against Muslims but against many religious communities worldwide.”
