Faith in Peril: India’s Religious Discrimination Plagues Followers Across the Hemisphere

India Condemns Religious Intolerance, Calls for Global Effort to Combat Islamophobia

As the United Nations General Assembly commemorates the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, India has expressed its strong condemnation of incidents of religious intolerance against Muslims, while emphasizing the need to recognize that religious discrimination is a broader challenge affecting followers of all faiths. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, made these remarks during an informal meeting of the plenary, where he also underscored the country’s commitment to fostering a world free from religious discrimination, hatred, and violence.

India’s diverse culture, home to followers of multiple major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, with over 200 million Muslims, makes the country acutely aware of the scourge of religious intolerance. “We stand united with the UN membership in condemning incidents of religious intolerance against Muslims. However, it is also essential to recognize that religious discrimination is a broader challenge that affects followers of all faiths,” Harish emphasized. “We urge all countries to commit to equal treatment of all their citizens and not practice policies that promote religious discrimination. We must also ensure that the education system does not perpetuate stereotypes or encourage bigotry.”

Ambassador Harish’s comments were echoed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who lamented the recent surge in anti-Muslim bigotry, from racial profiling and discriminatory policies to outright violence against individuals and places of worship. “This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies, and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations,” Guterres said. He urged governments to reject and eradicate bigotry, foster social cohesion, and protect religious freedom, while online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment.

In his statement, Ambassador Harish also referenced the importance of the United Nations in promoting peace and security, growth, and development, emphasizing that the organization must rise above differences and unite nations in the face of common challenges. “In keeping with this core agenda, any deliberation on issues of faith must seek to unite, not divide,” he stressed. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, calling for strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue on promoting a culture of tolerance and peace.

As the international community comes together to combat Islamophobia, it is crucial that countries recognize the broader implications of religious discrimination, affecting not just Muslims but all faiths. India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse religious landscape, is committed to promoting a world where every individual can live with dignity, security, and respect, regardless of their faith. By celebrating this International Day, nations can work towards creating a more inclusive and tolerant global society.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/religious-discrimination-affects-followers-of-all-faiths-india-9888121/
Category : India
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Publish Date: 2025-03-16 04:35:00