GENEVA: United Nations Human Rights Council approved disputed resolution on religious hatred in wake of burning of Quran in Sweden, prompting concern by Western states who say it challenges long-held practices in rights protection. Vote’s outcome marks major defeat for Western countries at time when OIC has unprecedented clout in council, only body made up of governments to protect human rights worldwide.

Twenty-eight countries voted in favour, 12 voted against and seven countries abstained. Representatives of some countries clapped after resolution passed. Marc Limon, director of Geneva-based Universal Rights Group said outcome showed “West is in full retreat at Human Rights Council.”

“They’re increasingly losing support and losing argument,” he said. After vote, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN in Geneva, Khalil Hasmi, accused west of “Lip service” to their commitment to prevent religious hatred. “Opposition of few in room has emanated from their unwillingness to condemn public desecration of Holy Quran or any other religious book,” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 13 2023

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