Bilawal expresses strong disapproval of Quran desecration while Muslim nations call for action at the UN.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his strong condemnation of the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden, emphasizing that this act had occurred under government approval and with a sense of impunity, coinciding with the discussions taking place within the UN rights body.
Recently, an individual who had migrated from Iraq to Sweden burned pages of the Holy Quran outside a mosque in Stockholm on the first day of Eid ul Adha. This act ignited outrage in the Muslim world and received condemnation from Pope Francis.
In response to this incident, Pakistan submitted a motion to the UN seeking a report from the UN rights chief on the matter. The motion also called upon states to review and address any gaps in their laws that hinder the prevention and prosecution of acts promoting religious hatred.
During the debate, tensions emerged within the UN Human Rights Council between the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing Muslim nations, and Western members who were concerned about the potential implications of the motion on free speech and long-standing practices in protecting human rights.
Bilawal addressed the urgent debate held by the Human Rights Council virtually, urging the global community to unite against hatred, discrimination, and intolerance while promoting mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance.
He stressed the need to recognize and condemn incitement to hatred, discrimination, and violence, as these acts aimed to propagate hate. Bilawal referred to the first-ever observance of the international day to combat Islamophobia three months prior, emphasizing the significance of the Holy Quran for two billion Muslims and the deep hurt caused by its desecration.
He affirmed that the desecration of the Holy Quran was an attack on the faith of Muslims and emphasized the importance of the draft text presented to the council, which called for prevention and accountability.
Bilawal highlighted the distinction between hate speech and free speech, asserting that while free speech was essential, hate speech was indefensible. He noted that no Muslim country allowed the desecration of holy texts from other religions, as it was forbidden by faith, culture, and law.
Similar sentiments were echoed by ministers from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, with the latter labeling it as an act of “Islamophobia” and calling for an end to the abuse of freedom of expression. Germany and France also expressed their condemnation, with Germany referring to the act as a “dreadful provocation”, while France emphasized that human rights were about protecting individuals, not religions or their symbols.
Despite intense negotiations without a breakthrough, diplomats anticipated a vote. Given that OIC countries constitute 19 members of the 47-member body and have additional support from China and others, it is highly likely that such a vote would pass.
The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, addressed the council and denounced inflammatory acts against Muslims, as well as other religions or minorities, as offensive, irresponsible, and wrong.