Morocco has urged the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Tuesday to maintain unity and an “unwavering resolve” when addressing the recurrent desecration of the Quran, an act that “negatively impacts over a billion Muslims worldwide.”
The call took place during an urgent debate on acts of religious hatred at the 53rd session of the OHCHR.
Omar Zniber, Morocco’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, emphasized that the discussion was not strictly about religion but centred around respecting human rights, particularly freedom of belief.
This fundamental right should not be compromised by freedom of expression, argued Zniber.
Zniber also pointed out that efforts to combat radicalization, extremism, and violence must not be selective and that extremism has to consistently be met with condemnation.
Zniber stressed that Morocco remains committed to promoting values such as mutual respect, tolerance, and coexistence.
He also stated that promoting peace, a core tenet of the United Nations, necessitates upholding sacred religious values.
The Moroccan representative highlighted examples where desecration appears deliberate and does not fall under freedom of expression but constitutes an offensive act towards Muslims globally.
Recent Quran burning incidents in Sweden have ignited international condemnation and criticism, with many countries including Morocco calling for a tougher approach to combat Islamophobia globally.
