Desecration of Quran: UNHRC resolution condemns acts of religious hatred
The urgent debate held on Wednesday in Geneva on the sidelines of the 53rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) highlighted by the adoption of a resolution condemning acts of religious hatred, which constitute incitement to violence and discrimination.
The resolution was adopted by 28 in favor, 12 against and seven abstentions, at the meeting convened in the wake of recurrent desecrations of the Holy Quran.
Members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) voted unanimously in favor of the resolution, while all Western countries voted against, as did Costa Rica.
The resolution provides for holding a high-level debate at the 54th session of the UNHRC in September 2023, to prepare a report to be submitted by the High Commissioner at the 55th session in March 2024.
The text views desecration as incitement to hatred, and stressed the need to hold the perpetrators of such acts of religious hatred accountable, in line with states’ obligations under international human rights law.
On Tuesday, Morocco called on the HRC to act with unity and intransigence against the recurrent desecration of the Holy Quran, which damages the feelings of over a billion Muslims.
“The fight against radicalization, extremism, obscurantism, and violence must in no way be selective. These demonstrations must be unequivocally condemned,” Morocco’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Omar Zniber stated.
Morocco, a fervent human rights defender, has always attached itself to a free and unhindered expression of opinions, whatever they may be, the diplomate recalled. The Kingdom constantly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting the values of mutual respect, tolerance, coexistence, acceptance of others, and the culture of peace, he added.
At the opening of the meeting, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, deplored that “hate speech in all its forms is on the increase throughout the world,” calling for it to be addressed through dialogue and education.
