The United Nations Human Rights Council on July 12 approved a disputed resolution on religious hatred in the wake of the burning of a Quran in Sweden, prompting concern by Western states who say it challenges long-held practices in the rights protection.
The resolution was introduced by Pakistan on the behalf of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and it called upon the UN rights chief to publish a report on religious hatred and for the states to review their laws and shorten the gaps that may impede the prosecution of acts and advocacy of religious hatred.
The resolution was strongly opposed by United States and Europe who argued that it conflicts with their view on human rights and freedom of expression.
An Iraqi immigrant to Sweden burned Quran outside a mosque last month, which sparked outrage across the Muslim worlds and demands by Muslim states for action.
The vote’s outcome marks a major defeat for Western countries at a time when OIC has unprecedented clout at the council, which is the only organisation in the world made up of governments to protect human rights worldwide.
It must be noted that India is one of the 28 countries who voted in favour of the resolution. Meanwhile, 12 countries voted against it and 12 remained abstained.