The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Wednesday approved a resolution on religious hatred and bigotry in the wake of a Quran burning in Sweden that led to protests across the Muslim world.
India backed the resolution by Pakistan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) tabled for an urgent debate. The motion was opposed by the United States and the European Union, which said it conflicts with their positions on human rights and freedom of expression.
“The Council condemns and strongly rejects any advocacy and manifestation of religious hatred, including the recent public and premeditated acts of desecration of the Holy Quran, and underscores the need for holding those responsible to account in a manner consistent with obligations of States arising from international human rights law; and calls upon States to adopt national laws, policies and law enforcement frameworks that address, prevent and prosecute acts and advocacy of religious hatred that constitute incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, and to take immediate steps to ensure accountability,” UNHRC statement reads.
India voted in favour of the resolution along with 28 other countries. The motion called on countries to “impede the prevention and prosecution of acts and advocacy of religious hatred”.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk told the UNHRC that inflammatory acts against Muslims, as well as other religions or minorities, are “offensive, irresponsible and wrong”.
Sweden has condemned the Quran burning but maintains the country has a constitutionally-protected right to freedom of assembly, expression and demonstration.
