Kingdom welcomes UN resolution to combat Islamophobia

MWL chief urges global action against rising hate speech Saudi Arabia has welcomed the adoption of the “Measures to Combat Islamophobia” resolution by the UN General Assembly, along with the appointment of a special envoy to address issues related to Isla

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for all international efforts aimed at combating extremist ideas and countering the financing of radicalism, emphasizing the Kingdom’s promotion and adoption of the values of peace and dialogue among followers of various faiths and civilizations.

It also supports establishing a culture of mutual respect among faiths and civilizations and promotes a culture of coexistence among peoples to achieve peace and prosperity for the world.

The Muslim World League also welcomed the adoption of the resolution and the appointment of a special UN envoy to combat Islamophobia. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretarygeneral of the MWL and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, said that under current international circumstances, the world was witnessing a disturbing rise in hate speech, including its slogans and methods, which threatened global peace and the harmony of societies.

Al-Issa called for remedial measures, including the enactment of effective national and international legislation that criminalized Islamophobia and categorizes it as a threat to national and international stability.

He also warned against the phenomena of impunity, the absence of accountability, and the escalation of concepts related to a clash of civilizations.

The MWL chief also advocated for combating these issues by engaging in preventative measures at the levels of family, education, and influential platforms.

Al-Issa said: “Islam is the religion of mercy, kindness, justice and peace, as supported by texts of jurisprudence and the biography of our Prophet, peace be upon him. This path is the one that

Islamic moderation has adopted throughout its rich and long history.”

He added: “Islam is not represented by those who have deviated from its principles and values, nor by those who distort the meanings of its texts to justify their extremism and violence.”

Al-Issa reaffirmed the support of the MWL, including its global councils, bodies and assemblies, for all international efforts aimed at combating extremist ideas and promoting the values of peace, coexistence and mutual respect among followers of different religions and civilizations. On International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15, Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha issued a message emphasizing the need for global unity against this rising threat.

“This day is a chance to stand with victims of Islamophobia,” Taha said. He condemned acts of violence, harassment and intimidation fueled by religious hatred and fanaticism.

Taha urged “all concerned parties” to take concrete steps to counter these “forces of evil” that undermine peaceful coexistence between religions.

Taha applauded the 2022 UN General Assembly resolution establishing March 15 as International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

Islam is not represented by those who have deviated from its principles and values, nor by those who distort the meanings of its texts to justify their extremism and violence Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretarygeneral of the MWL