New York, 30 October 2021 (TDI): Pakistani Ambassador Aamir Khan briefed the United Nations General Assembly on the rampant Islamophobia in the international community. He expressed his regrets on the materialization of Islamophobia in the mainstream political discourse. He added that some governments have internalized Islamophobia by enacting policies aimed to target Muslims.
The Ambassador referred to examples of the Hijab Ban and expulsion of Muslims as manifestations of Islamophobia. He referred to anti-Islamic practices like burning of the Quran and acts of vandalizing Islamic symbols as examples of Islamophobia. He added more by mentioning the making of hurtful caricatures in the name of freedom of speech as Islamophobic.
It is regrettable that expressions of racial hatred,religious supremacy & violent nationalism have moved from the fringe to the political mainstream. #Islamophobia has been mainstreamed in the political discourse of certain political parties & governments:Amb Aamir Khan #GA #HRC pic.twitter.com/Oioe4nY2yW
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to UN, NY (@PakistanUN_NY) October 29, 2021
Ambassador Aamir Khan substantiated his claims on the prevalence of Islamophobia by mentioning a recent UN report on Islamophobia. The UN report pointed out the prevalence of Islamophobia after the 9/11 attacks. The report highlighted “Institutional suspicion” and “fear of Muslims” as indicators of Islamophobia. Ambassador added that the association of Islam with terrorism after 9/11 has resulted in a surge in right-wing extremism and xenophobia and terror groups against Islam.
Ambassador urged for the international community’s collective action against the terror groups targeting Muslims on the basis of Islamophobia. He said that such terror groups should be held accountable by the United Nations Security Council.
Ambassador Aamir Khan, briefed UNGA on the human rights issues. He urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to take notice of the violations in UN-recognized disputed territories. Ambassador advocated for consideration of imperatives necessary to combat human rights violations.
Pakistani Envoy concluded his remarks by affirming the international community on Pakistan’s commitment to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
