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Introductory Statement by Mr. Farukh Amil, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan regarding the OIC resolution "Combating defamation of religions"
Mr. Chairman
I have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the OIC the draft resolution entitled "Combating defamation of religions" contained in A/C.3/62/ L 25.
This is an annual initiative of the OIC which focuses on combating defamation of all religions particularly Islam. The text of the draft resolution is not new. It is based on the language adopted by the successive resolutions on this subject in the former Human Rights Commission and the Human Rights Council. It also builds on the General Assembly resolution 61/164 adopted during the 61st session.
Over history, different religions and their adherents have been targets of deep rooted discriminations, violence and defamation. Today, unfortunately, it is Islam and its adherents that are being targeted.
Mr. Chairman
The manifestations of Islamophobia have been documented extensively by many Special Rapporteurs of the UN particularly by the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The Runnymede Trust established since 1968 for race relations in the UK has defined Islamophobia. This includes, inter alia, Islam being seen as inferior to the West, barbaric, irrational, primitive and sexist and anti-Muslim hostility accepted as natural or normal.
The Durban Declaration recognizes that victims of racism and racial discrimination can suffer multiple and aggravated forms of discrimination based on other related grounds including religion.
In the post 9/11 world, there is a rise of discrimination against Muslims. Their stereotyping as extremists and terrorists and numerous instances of deliberate and provocative insults to the religion of Islam and its sacred personalities and symbols are the manifestations of increasing intolerance against Muslims.
The acts of a few persons professing to be Muslims are allowed to tar more than one billion Muslims with the brush of terrorism. Such equation of terrorism with a religion is unique only to Islam. No acts of individuals belonging to any other religion are associated with their religion or belief.
It is in this context that OIC has tabled the draft resolution L-25 titled "Combating Defamation of Religions". The objective of the resolution is to reverse the phenomena of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims and their religion, Islam. The provisions of the draft resolution equally seek to protect other religions and beliefs from similar discrimination and defamation.
The resolution is tabled in the expectation that it will arouse the international community to acknowledge and address, the disturbing phenomena of defamation of religions- especially Islam- and the devastating consequences this has on the lives of individuals, as well as for harmonious relations between different communities, nations and States.
The cosponsors are holding open ended consultations and are consulting bilaterally with those delegations that have specific comments.
The OIC trusts that the resolution once put for action would get the widest support from the Third Committee.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman