India strongly denounces all forms of religiophobia, including anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and Islamophobia, while also opposing anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Sikh sentiments, India’s permanent representative to the UN stated, cautioning against dividing the UN along religious lines.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly during the adoption of a resolution on ‘Measures to Combat Islamophobia,’ India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, emphasized that religious phobias extend beyond the Abrahamic religions.
“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 stated.
She highlighted India’s commitment to pluralism and equality, stating, “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.”
Kamboj reiterated India’s historical role as a safe haven for those persecuted for their faith, citing the principle of “Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava,” which underscores Indian secularism and respect for all religions. She emphasized that this principle is enshrined in India’s constitution.
While condemning acts motivated by antisemitism, Christianophobia, or Islamophobia, Kamboj emphasized that such phobias extend to non-Abrahamic religions as well. She cited attacks on religious places of worship and the spreading of hatred against non-Abrahamic religions as evidence of contemporary forms of religiophobia.
Kamboj urged member states to address religious discrimination globally, noting that focusing solely on combating Islamophobia might perpetuate exclusion and inequality. She expressed opposition to the creation of a special envoy based on a specific religion, cautioning against dividing the UN into religious camps.
Emphasizing the UN’s role in promoting peace and harmony, Kamboj stressed the need for the organization to remain above religious considerations, which could fragment rather than unite the world.
The resolution on ‘Measures to Combat Islamophobia’ was introduced by Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, during the 62nd plenary meeting of the General Assembly on the Culture of Peace.
