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India abstains from Islamophobia resolution vote
India urged all member states to consider the broader scope of religious discrimination
India’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj at UNGA. / X @IndiaUNNewYork
India chose to abstain from voting on a draft resolution introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China on Islamophobia in the U.N. General Assembly. India emphasized the importance of recognizing "religiophobia" against Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other faiths facing violence and discrimination, rather than singling out just one religion.
The resolution 'Measures to combat Islamophobia' was adopted by the 193-member General Assembly, introduced by Pakistan, with 115 nations voting in favor, none against, and 44 abstentions, including India, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, and the U.K.
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— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) March 15, 2024
PR delivers the explanation of India's position during the adoption of the resolution on 'Measures to combat Islamophobia' at the United Nations General Assembly today. pic.twitter.com/AheU8UvpYM
India’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, condemned all acts motivated by anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and Islamophobia, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging that such phobias extend beyond Abrahamic religions.
“Clear evidence shows that over decades, followers of non-Abrahamic religions have also been affected by religiophobia. This has led to the emergence of contemporary forms of religiophobia, particularly anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist and anti-Sikh sentiments,” she said, in an explanation of India’s position on the resolution.
India emphasized that the adoption of the resolution should not set a precedent that could lead to numerous resolutions focusing on phobias related to specific religions, potentially dividing the United Nations along religious lines.
“It is crucial for the U.N. to maintain its stance above such religious concerns, which have the potential to fragment us rather than unite us under the banner of peace and harmony, embracing the world as one global family,” Kamboj said.
India urged all member states to consider the broader scope of religious discrimination that persists globally.
Kamboj highlighted that contemporary forms of religiophobia are evident in the increasing attacks on religious places of worship such as gurudwaras, monasteries, and temples, as well as the spreading of hatred and disinformation against non-Abrahamic religions in many countries.
The resolution condemned the incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence against Muslims, citing incidents such as desecration of their holy book, attacks on mosques, sites, and shrines, as well as other acts of religious intolerance, negative stereotyping, hatred, and violence against Muslims.
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