Pakistan Urges Global Action to Combat Islamophobia at UN General Assembly

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan, representing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), called for decisive global action to tackle the growing issue of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, addressed the 193-member UN General Assembly, emphasizing the need for unity and empathy in combating Islamophobia.

In his speech, Ambassador Akram highlighted the rise of Islamophobia not only in the West but also in the East, where it is being used politically to further agendas of hate and prejudice. He stressed that policies should reflect an unwavering commitment to religious tolerance, and media should not fuel division.

The Pakistani envoy also condemned actions such as the desecration of sacred Islamic symbols and the marginalization of Muslim communities, citing incidents like the Christchurch massacre as stark examples of Islamophobia.

Ambassador Akram urged governments to pass legislation that criminalizes Islamophobia and supports religious tolerance. He also welcomed initiatives from countries like Sweden, Denmark, Canada, and the United States in addressing Islamophobia.

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The UN Secretary-General also plans to appoint a special envoy on Islamophobia, with the OIC expressing its support for this initiative. Pakistan and the OIC look forward to working with the UN to develop a comprehensive plan to fight Islamophobia globally.

The call for action came as the UN marked the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, a day established in 2022 after a resolution co-sponsored by Pakistan.