India has said it supports its fellow United Nations members in condemning acts of religious intolerance against Muslims, and emphasised the necessity to acknowledge religious discrimination as a widespread issue affecting all religions.”We stand united with the UN membership in condemning incidents of religious intolerance against Muslims. However, it is also imperative to recognise that religious discrimination is a broader challenge that affects followers of all faiths,” P Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador, said on Friday, according to news agency PTI.”We strongly believe that the path to meaningful progress lies in acknowledging that religio-phobia in its various forms threatens the fabric of our diverse, global society,” he added.Harish, who spoke at the informal UN General Assembly meeting to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, began his address by extending greetings for the ongoing holy month of Ramadan, as well as Holi, which was celebrated in India and globally on Friday.”India is a land of diversity and pluralism. We are home to followers of virtually every major religion in the world and the birthplace of four world religions namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. With over 200 million of its citizens practising Islam, India is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world,” he stated.The Permanent Ambassador also expressed India’s worries regarding increase in violence targeting religious sites and communities, and suggested this could only be addressed through consistent dedication and tangible actions from all Member States towards ensuring equal respect for all faiths.”All countries must commit to equal treatment of all their citizens and not practice policies that promote religious discrimination. We must also ensure that the education system does not perpetuate stereotypes or encourage bigotry,” Harish emphasised.UN endorses OIC-backed resolution on IslamophobiaThe UN General Assembly endorsed a resolution backed by 60 members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.The resolution emphasised that terrorism and violent extremism should not be linked to any religion, nationality, civilisation, or ethnic group.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted in his message many Muslims observe Ramadan while experiencing ‘fear of discrimination, exclusion, and even violence.’Guterres highlighted the ‘troubling’ rise in anti-Muslim prejudice, ranging from discriminatory policies violating human rights to direct attacks on individuals and places of worship.”This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies, and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations,” he observed.The UN chief stressed that an attack on one group threatens everyone’s rights and freedoms.Guterres called for global rejection of bigotry, emphasising that governments must promote social cohesion and protect religious freedom, while online platforms must address hate speech. “We must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination.”
‘Countries must commit to equal treatment of all their citizens’: India at UN | India News
