The United Nations Human Rights Council Approves Pakistan-Backed Proposal on Religious Hatred

The United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday approved a Pakistan-backed proposal on religious hatred following the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden, which was opposed by major Western powers.

Pakistan’s Proposal: Combating Religious Hatred

Pakistan has made a proposal titled “Combating religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, insult or violence” after a man in Sweden burned the pages of the Holy Quran, sparking a diplomatic backlash in the Muslim world.

Votes in Favor and Opposition

28 countries voted in favor of the resolution, including China, India, South Africa, and Ukraine, 12 against, and 7 abstentions.

Opposition from Western Powers

Among countries other than the UK and the US, Belgium, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, and Romania voted against.

Pakistan’s Condemnation and Call for Justice

Pakistan’s decision condemns all manifestations of religious hatred, including “overt and deliberate acts of desecration of the Holy Quran,” and emphasizes the need to bring those responsible to justice.

Enacting Laws to Prevent Religious Hatred

The Pakistani resolution also calls on countries to enact laws to “deal with, prevent, and prosecute acts and propaganda of religious hatred that constitute incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence.”