Somalia supports UN resolution to combat rising Islamophobia globally

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Sunday March 17, 2024

Last year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution submitted by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation deeming this day as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia [Alex Filipe/Reuters]

Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia has warmly received the UN's resolution to combat Islamophobia and the selection of a dedicated envoy to address this challenge.

In a statement, the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation highlighted the global commitment to combating anti-Muslim sentiment.

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"This appointment marks a significant stride towards fostering dialogue, fostering tolerance, and addressing entrenched biases that threaten social cohesion and harmony worldwide. Somalia acknowledges the pivotal role this envoy will play in safeguarding the rights and dignity of Muslim populations and advancing principles of equality and justice on the international stage."

Echoing the gravity of the issue, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the pervasive nature of divisive rhetoric and online abuse, stating, "Divisive rhetoric and misrepresentation are stigmatizing communities, and everyone must unite to combat intolerance, stereotypes, and bias. Online hate speech is fuelling real-life violence."

In response to the widespread issue of religious intolerance, Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized, "Islamophobia has stolen lives, dehumanizing entire communities and sparking torrents of hate speech, magnified by social media," highlighting the alarming rise in Islamophobic incidents across the globe.

Nassima Baghli, Permanent Observer of the OIC, underlined the critical impacts of religious discrimination, saying, "Discrimination and stereotypes based on religion or belief are doing a lot of harm as they dehumanize people and prevent them from enjoying their rights."

Addressing the broader impacts of Islamophobia, the statement from Human Rights Council-appointed experts brought to light, "Across the world, we have witnessed attacks on mosques, cultural centres, schools, and even private property belonging to Muslims."

Furthermore, they condemned the actions during the holy month of Ramadan: "During this holy month of Ramadan, we are appalled at the continued refusal by Israel to allow adequate humanitarian assistance and food aid to be provided to the mainly Muslim civilian population in Gaza despite the widespread hunger and signs of severe malnutrition."

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