Muslim pilgrims visit Mount Al-Noor, on July 4, 2022, where they believe Prophet Mohammad received the first words of the Quran through the angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (Source: Reuters)

On March 15, the United Nations General Assembly (UN) adopted a resolution on measures to combat Islamophobia. The resolution condemns any advocacy of religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility or violence.

The document specifically condemns incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence against Muslims, as manifested in the growing number of desecrations of the Koran, attacks on mosques, as well as acts of religious intolerance, negative stereotypes, hatred and violence against Muslims.

The text calls on UN member states to take all necessary measures to combat religious intolerance, negative prejudice, hatred, incitement to violence and violence against Muslims, and to prohibit incitement to violence and violence against people on grounds of their religion or belief.

The resolution also calls on UN member states and all relevant stakeholders to promote dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations, respect and acceptance of differences, tolerance, respect for religious and cultural diversity, peaceful and inclusive coexistence, respect for human rights and combat the spread of hate speech.

The resolution requests the UN Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy on Islamophobia and to report to the General Assembly at its next session on the implementation of this resolution.

The draft resolution, submitted by Pakistan, received 115 votes in favor, no votes against and 44 abstentions. The adoption of the resolution came on the International Day for the Elimination of Islamophobia.