Union Association For Human Rights Endorses Local And Global Initiatives To Combat Islamophobia

The Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR) has expressed its support for global and local initiatives to combat Islamophobia. The association praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its civilised approach in promoting moderation and addressing religious discrimination, violence against Islam, and the desecration of holy books. This statement was made in recognition of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed annually on 15th March.

In a statement obtained by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), UAHR highlighted the UAE's ongoing efforts with partners in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to curb hate speech. These efforts led to the United Nations Security Council adopting Resolution 2686 on 15th June 2023. This marked the first time the Council recognised that hate speech could lead to extremism and conflicts.

The UAE has implemented laws to counter hatred, including Federal Law No. 34 of 2023 on Combating Discrimination, Hatred, and Extremism. This law prohibits offences against religions, prophets, holy scriptures, and places of worship while criminalising actions associated with religious contempt. The association noted these legislative measures as significant steps towards fostering tolerance.

The UAE has also launched global awards to promote peace. These include the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for World Peace, the UAE International Award for Poets of Peace, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Tolerance Award. These initiatives aim to encourage peace and coexistence worldwide.

The UAE has established key institutions to eliminate hate speech effectively. Notable among these are the National Counselling Centre founded in 2019 and the Sawab Centre established in 2015 to support international efforts against terrorism. The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence was inaugurated in 2016, while the Muslim Council of Elders was formed in Abu Dhabi in 2014 to promote peace within the Islamic world.

Additionally, Hedayah - The International Center of Excellence For Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism was inaugurated in 2012. The Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies was also founded to address ideological and sectarian challenges effectively.

Global Engagements and Conferences

In 2024, the UAE hosted the Global Alliance for Tolerance Summit. This event resulted in issuing a Joint Global Call for Tolerance and Coexistence. Furthermore, an International Conference on Dialogue of Civilisations and Tolerance was organised by the UAE. It emphasised respecting civilisational differences while launching programmes like "Champions of Tolerance" to empower women in spreading values of tolerance.

"The UAE has consistently taken a leading and clear stance against Islamophobia, advocating tolerance and rejecting hatred," stated UAHR. They highlighted a historic meeting between His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi during February 2019 as a significant milestone towards global harmony.

The UAHR commended resolutions adopted by both United Nations and international communities aimed at countering Islamophobia along with hate speech extremism religious intolerance effectively through collaborative efforts globally.

With inputs from WAM