On 26 March 2009, the Geneva based U N Human Rights Council adopted a resolution moved by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Countries condemning "defamation of religion" as a violation of human rights. Twenty three of the 47 member body voted in favour of the resolution, 11 voted against while 13 abstained from voting.  Although India expressed its opposition to the resolution on the floor it abstained from actual voting.

"Defamation of religions is a serious affront to human dignity leading to a restriction on the freedom of their adherents and incitement to religious violence," says the Resolution adding that "Islam is frequently and wrongly associated with human rights violations and terrorism." It calls on states to." ensure that religious places, sites, shrines and symbols are protected, to reinforce laws "to deny immunity" for those exhibiting intolerance of ethnic and religious minorities, and "to take all possible measures to promote tolerance and respect for all religions and beliefs

Pakistan, speaking for the 56-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), said a "delicate balance" had to be struck between freedom of expression and respect for religions.

Earlier, on 24 Nov 2008, the UN general Assembly had adopted a similar OIC sponsored resolution  calling on all countries to alter their legal and constitutional systems  to prevent "defamation of religions," asserting that "Islam is frequently and wrongly associated with human rights violations and terrorism." Among other things, the resolution "urged states to take actions to prohibit the dissemination ... of racist and xenophobic ideas" and material that would incite to religious hatred. It also urged states to adopt laws that would protect against hatred and discrimination stemming from religious defamation.

Last update : 15-06-2009 01:27

Keywords : Defending the Indefensible, Jai Prakash Sharma

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