Let me begin by offering heartfelt condolences to the families of those whose lives were claimed by treachery and terrorism in the two mosques in New Zealand
ISTANBUL (Pakistan Point News - 22nd March, 2019) As-slaam alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh, Let me begin by offering heartfelt condolences to the families of those whose lives were claimed by treachery and terrorism in the two mosques in New Zealand. I pray to Allah to forgive them and to grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss. I also appreciate highly the efforts by the Government of New Zealand for containing the Muslim community in their country at a defining moment. This is well appreciated by the peoples of the world, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Intolerance on the basis of ideology and racism have emerged as a major threat to global peace and security in our world today. Amidst these conditions, Islam and Muslims in many countries are subjected to defamation of their religion and humanity. They face growing negative stereotyping, racial discrimination and right-wing populist calls denying basic Muslim human rights, including the right to life, peaceful living, integration with all segments of the society where they lıve, and the right to practice their faiths.
According to the reports of the OIC Islamophobia observatory, hatred and intolerance against Islam, in the last few years, have reached a disturbing level with its growing frequency. This is clear in the pervasiveness of negative rhetoric against Islam and in incidences of attacks on mosques, Islamic centres, individuals, Muslim communities and women who wear Islamic dresses. Many cases have been recorded of destructive attacks and arson in mosques and places of worship in many countries.
Once again the entire world was shocked by the barbaric acts of a right-wing terrorist when he killed about 50 innocent Muslims and wounded scores as they said their prayers peacefully in a house of worship. This wanton terrorist incident has sent a powerful message to the world and to us all that hate speech, intolerance and Islamophobia are a clear danger that threaten the security of stable communities, and that this incident shows that terrorism has neither religion, race or nationality.
Excellencies,
Hate speech and intolerance and the terrorist incidents they engender are inspired by ultra-rightideologies which, unfortunately have been gaining growing popularity in the last two decades. These have led to a global wave of populism and the unprecedented rise of ultra-right and anti-establishment parties.
Whatever be the case, the common thread in all of these populist political parties is Islamophobia. Just as the number of their supporters is growing at unprecedented levels.
Hate speech based on ultra-right thought targets not only Islam and Muslims. They also target western liberal democracies. And if hate speech is not curbed urgently and effectively, chaos will take over otherwise stable countries and terrorize peaceful populations.
Excellencies,
We cannot close our eyes to the activities that incite the hatred and violence perpetrated by intolerant groups and individuals no matter who they are and what religion they profess. We must take into account that positive cooperation amongst us will isolate extremism and intolerance, no matter their source.
The commitment of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to the Charter and other conventions of the United Nations, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) underscore the commitment of the OIC to human rights and other basic freedoms, including the right to freedom of religion. At the same time, the OIC has always emphasized the necessity and importance of delineating the parameters of this freedom in the light of Article 19 (3) and Article 20 of theICCPR with the aim of combating incitement to violence and hatred, not only against Islam but also all other religions. The OIC believes that it is important to preserve and build on this spirit in the implementation of consensual initiatives, such as the Human Rights Council resolution 16/18 titled: Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion or belief – in order to effectively counter Islamophobia and all forms of hatred, whether Christianity or Judaism or any other civilization or culture.
Excellencies,
Our member states know the danger on terrorism, and have repeatedly told the world that terrorism has no religion or nation. A high level meeting on dialogue among religions, cultures and ciivlisations was held at the United Nations with the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The King Abdullah Bin AbdulazizInterreligious and Intercultural Dialogue was established in Austria. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its sisterly nations from Islamic countries have taken several initiatives on moderation and combatting terrorism in general. This include the establishment of ETIDAL Centre in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HEDAYA in the United Arab Emirates, and efforts by many other states such as the Arab Republic of Egypt. There are also the efforts by the Department of Dialogue and outreach and Sawt al-Hikmah of the OIC General Secretariat.
Excellencies,
What happened in New Zealand is despicable and has dangerous implications for the world. This terrorist attack has shocked and hurt the sensibilities of Muslims and the entire humanity. Whatever the motives behind this attack, its perpetrators deserve the severest forms of punishment. At the same time, we must express deep appreciation to the Government of New Zealand which took the necessary steps, launched an investigation immediately into this dastardly attack and gave full support to the affected Muslim communities in the country. We must also mention the importance of decisive legislations about the cyberspace which has been turned to an arena for breeding extremist ideas.
In conclusion, I would like to extend sincere appreciation to the Government of Turkey for convening this emergency meeting. I am hopeful that this meeting will produce the necessary preventive steps to contain violence and terrorism threatening Muslims wherever they may be.
Wa salaam alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.
