OIC calls for outlawing \`wilful religious provocations\`

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) urged the global community on Monday to outlaw all willful provocations and incitement to hate and violence.

In a statement read at a high-level United Nation meeting on countering hate speech_ the OIC also expressed grave concern on the 'denigration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)' by officials of India s ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).

Pakistan s United Nations Ambassador Munir Akram read the statement on OIC s behalf. The OIC wanted that all 'willful provocations and incitement to hate and violence must be universally outlawed.'

Ambassador Munir reminded the global community that the OIC 'remains concerned about willful incitement and defamation of Islamic holy personalities and religious symbols.'

On Saturday_ the OIC joined the global community in commemorating the first ever international day for countering hate speech in pursuance of a General Assembly resolution passed recently.

The resolution for observing this day was presented by the Morocco_ and the OIC described it 'as an important milestone in advancing global efforts to address and counter hate speech.'

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation argued that observing this day would promote inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech and would underline the need to counter all kinds of discrimination and xenophobia.

In his message to the high-level meeting_ Uited Nation Secretary General António Guterres said that 'hate speech is in itself an attack on tolerance_ inclusion_ diversity and the very essence of our human rights norms and principles.'

UN chief added_ 'undermines social cohesion_ erodes shared values and can lay the foundation for violence_ setting back the cause of peace_ stability_ sustainable progress and the fullness of human rights for all'.

The statement noted that while hate speech had proliferated across the globe_ 'the OIC is particularly worried at the sharp rise in Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred in many parts of the world.'

The OIC group condemned 'the practice of insulting Islam_ Christianity_ Judaism and any other religion alike_' adding that it 'stands against all acts of hate and violence on the basis of religion or belief.'