'Others also affected by religiophobia...': India abstains UNGA on Pakistan's resolution on Islamophobia
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New York, Mar 16: "Followers of non-Abrahamic religions have also been affected by religiophobia", India said while explaining India's position during the adoption of the resolution on 'Measures to combat Islamophobia'. Notably, a draft resolution was introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China on Islamophobia.
Addressing the 61st plenary session at the UN General Assembly, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, said that phobia about one’s religion or faith extends beyond the 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.
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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
Kambhoj also said, "In our world today, we are confronted with escalating geopolitical tensions and unequal developments resulting in a concerning rise in intolerance, discrimination, and violence based on religion or belief. India, as a proud champion of pluralism, firmly upholds the principle of equal protection and promotion of all religions and all faiths."
“While the issue of Islamophobia is undoubtedly significant, we must acknowledge that other religions are also facing discrimination and violence. Allocating resources solely to combat Islamophobia, while neglecting similar challenges faced by other faiths, might inadvertently perpetuate a sense of exclusion and inequality," she added.
Meanwhile, Kamboj also reminded UNGA that Hinduism, with over 1.2 billion followers, Buddhism with more than 535 million and Sikhism with over 30 million followers worldwide, are all subject to religiophobia.
"The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, violations of gurudwara premises, massacres of Sikh pilgrims in gurudwaras, attacks on temples, and the glorification of breaking idols in temples all contribute to the rise of contemporary forms of religiophobia against non-Abrahamic religions," she said.
Kamboj underlined that India stands against all forms of religiophobia.
“India stands against all forms of religiophobia, be it anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, or Islamophobia, as we stand against all anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, and anti-sikh sentiments," Kamboj said.
Highlighting on appointing a United Nations Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia, Kamboj said, "We are in principle opposed to the creation of the post of a special envoy based on a special religion," urging "I would ask all member states to consider the broader scope of religious discrimination that persists globally".