In a statement before the United Nations General Assembly, the UAE stressed the need to confront fanaticism and hatred against Muslims and avoid further polarization at a time when the world faces common challenges, stressing that allowing the spread of Islamophobia within the framework of freedom of expression is totally unacceptable.
Amira Al-Hafeti, Deputy Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations, said in the statement of the country’s delegation during the general debate of the General Assembly on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, that the recent events that we witnessed, including acts of public desecration of the Holy Qur’an, confirmed the need to confront fanaticism and hatred against Muslims and avoid more. of polarization at a time when the world faces common challenges. She added, “These abhorrent practices, which my country and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemn, are not separate or individual incidents, but rather one of the forms of Islamophobia that continues to spread around the world, greatly affecting the lives of Muslims, as well as its repercussions on peace and security.”
In the statement published by the UAE Mission to the United Nations website, Amira Al-Hafeti stressed that allowing the spread of Islamophobia within the framework of freedom of expression is totally unacceptable, as all Member States unanimously agreed to declare an international day to combat Islamophobia as it represents a global threat, which is imperative for the international community. Reject and condemn such acts, and prevent their recurrence, for violating freedom of religion and belief. She explained that eliminating Islamophobia requires taking specific measures at various levels.
Amira Al-Hafeti added in the state statement: In this context, I would like to emphasize three elements:
First: The consolidation of the values of human brotherhood, such as tolerance and peaceful coexistence, remains essential to combat Islamophobia and build stable and peaceful societies. Peace and stability prevail. We have also taken many practical steps to translate these values into reality, including allowing the practice of various religious rites freely, and establishing legislation prohibiting all forms of religious or racial discrimination. There is no doubt that the involvement of local communities, including religious leaders, women and youth in such efforts is necessary to promote human values in word and deed.
Second: We must continue to work on consolidating constructive dialogue between religions and cultures, and establishing platforms and institutions for this purpose, as these efforts contribute to creating mutual understandings between societies and breaking stereotypes towards Islam or other religions, as our true religion has always called for coexistence and harmony among different people. For this reason, my country was keen to launch initiatives that focus on consolidating mutual respect and dialogue between religions, including building the Abrahamic Family House, which was recently opened in Abu Dhabi and includes a mosque, church, synagogue and educational center, thus constituting a platform that allows followers of different religions to communicate together and practice their religious rituals side by side in peace. . The Council of Muslim Elders in Abu Dhabi is also working to launch global initiatives to spread peace, including the “East-West Dialogue” to clarify the teachings of Islam and promote peaceful coexistence.
Third: We must continue to refute the anti-Islam rhetoric and counter misinformation and misinformation about it. Here, media campaigns and efforts that highlight the true values of Islam must be intensified, especially as extremist and terrorist groups continue to distort religion to fuel conflicts and spread their destructive ideas that have nothing to do with Islam. Governments should also strengthen cooperation with the private sector to improve tools to monitor and remove offensive content online, and to prevent it from being used to spread hate. At the same time, we must celebrate the historical achievements of many Muslims, which have contributed to the renaissance of human civilization, contrary to what these extremist groups are promoting.
Al-Hafiti concluded the state statement by saying, “Despite the efforts made to combat Islamophobia, we still have to make many efforts and continue to strive, tirelessly, to immunize our societies from the clutches of extremism and intolerance. We assure you of our commitment to continue working with all partners and in various forums to achieve this goal.
