ISLAMABAD: Pakistan announced on Thursday the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) would hold a panel discussion over the impact of the desecration of sacred scriptures next year after the recent adoption of a historic resolution to address religious hatred in the wake of the Qur’an burning incident in Sweden.
The resolution was introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and requested the UN rights chief to publish a report on religious hatred. It also urged countries across the world to review their laws and plug any gaps that could “impede the prevention and prosecution” of such anti-religious acts.
The resolution was opposed by Western nations, though it was still adopted after 28 countries voted in its favor.
Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch noted in her weekly news conference the resolution condemned any advocacy of religious hatred, including the recent acts of the desecration of the Holy Qur’an, while emphasizing the need to hold the perpetrators to account.
“In the follow-up to the resolution, the Council will hold panel discussions of experts at its March 2024 session to identify the drivers, root-causes and human rights impact of the desecration of sacred books, places of worship and religious symbols,” she added.
Baloch said Pakistan shared disappointment with other OIC countries that such an important resolution was put to vote despite its “balanced and apolitical nature,” derailing the UN council’s consensus.
“We believe that the Council must speak with one voice on the salient issue of Islamophobia, which affects human rights, fundamental freedoms, dignity and identity of over two billion Muslims,” she continued.
The spokesperson said Pakistan would do its best to raise global awareness about issues like Islamophobia and xenophobia while trying to foster interfaith dialogue, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
