UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan Monday joined the world community in expressing solidarity with the victims of religious violence, and deplored India’s “sinister” design to cleanse the country of its Muslim heritage and make Muslims second class citizens and even non-citizens.
In a message on the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, Ambassador Munir Akram, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said, “We are particularly alarmed at the global resurgence of xenophobia, hatred and acts of violence against minorities.
“Even as victims of violence belong to diverse religious minorities across the world, there is a disproportionate growth in hate speech and stigmatization of Muslim communities and individuals, leading to acts of violence.
“In our own region, the BJP-RSS regime in India, inspired by the extremist “Hindutva” ideology, has embarked upon a sinister design to “cleanse” India of the vestiges of its Islamic heritage, and make Muslims second class citizens, and even non-citizens.
“On its part, Pakistan will continue to advance international efforts to protect individuals against Islamophobia, xenophobia, and related intolerance based on religion or belief.”
In his message to mark the day, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his staunch support for those who have suffered.
During the day set aside to honor the victims who have lost their lives or suffered for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief, the UN chief issued a statement standing in “firm solidarity”.
“Hate speech, online or offline, continues to fuel violence against vulnerable members of society, including ethnic and religious minorities,” he warned.
Despite the General Assembly’s resolution in 2019 to officially observe the day, “persons and communities worldwide continue to face intolerance and violence based on religion or belief,” Guterres l said.
“We must do more to support victims and examine the conditions that drive intolerance and hate”, he added.
“Initiatives like my Call to Action for Human Rights and the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech are tools that can be used to address these complex and pressing issues”.
States have the responsibility to prevent and address discrimination and violence inflicted in the name of religion or belief, reminded Mr. Guterres.
He outlined that this must be done through “comprehensive policies” that promote inclusion, diversity, tolerance and interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
Moreover, the UN chief cautioned that human rights violations perpetrated in the name of religion or belief must be investigated and punished, and “effective reparations need to be provided to victims, in compliance with international human rights law”.
“It is essential that all States, faith leaders and other influential actors condemn all incitement to hatred and violence based on religion or belief,” spelled out the Secretary-General.
“Only a collective, inclusive, and society-wide effort can result in safe co-existence for all and end this blight on our societies”.
Freedom of religion or belief, opinion and expression as well as the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association, are enshrined in three articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
