The United States and Great Britain were among a host of countries who opposed a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution on religious hatred and bigotry, which came in light of the latest instance of the burning of the Holy Quraan in Sweden. The resolution was however passed with 28 votes in favour, 12 against and 7 abstentions.
The decision contradicts statements by the western countries in which they claim they are opposed to the burning of the Quraan. But when given the opportunity to take decisive action against it, the Western nations confirmed their Islamophobic bias.
The United States and its traditional European allies say the resolution conflicts with its position on human rights and freedom of expression.
In a statement, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) says, “The resolution underscored the need for holding those responsible to account in a manner consistent with obligations of States arising from international human rights law. “
If further urged nations to adopt national laws, policies and law enforcement frameworks to address, prevent and prosecute acts and advocacy of religious hatred that constitute incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. It underlined that immediate steps to hold those accountable are necessary.
Sweden, while claiming to condemn the stunt of burning the Quraan outside the main mosque in Stockholm, allowed the perpetrator to go ahead with the blasphemous act under the watch of the police.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Muslims in the southern city of Malmö have met in a local square, holding copies of the Quraan above their heads and reciting verses from it.
Among the verses recited are:
In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Say, “He is God, the One.
God, the Absolute.
He begets not, nor was He begotten.
And there is none comparable to Him.”
