UN Rights Chief sees Quran burning an attempt to turn religious differences into hatred and violence
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Volker Turk, the UN's high commissioner for human rights
New York City: Volker Turk, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed profound sympathy for millions of individuals outraged by recent acts targeting their core values and beliefs.
During the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk condemned the burning of the Qur'an and similar incidents, suggesting that they were manufactured to fuel anger, create divisions, and transform differing perspectives into hatred and violence.
The urgent debate, titled "the alarming rise in premeditated and public acts of religious hatred," was triggered by the recent desecration of the Qur'an outside a mosque in Stockholm during the Eid Al-Adha holiday. The incident sparked worldwide condemnation and widespread outrage across the Muslim world.
Turk emphasized the significance of religious symbols, stating that they encapsulate vast historical legacies, fundamental values, and communal belonging for millions of people. He called upon political and religious leaders to play a crucial role in preventing religiously offensive acts by unequivocally denouncing desecration of holy places and symbols. Moreover, he stressed the need for leaders to make it clear that violence can never be justified, regardless of any perceived provocation.
While Turk acknowledged the importance of freedom of speech and expression, he warned that speech in certain circumstances can incite violent and discriminatory actions. He urged states to prohibit any form of advocacy that incites discrimination, hostility, or violence based on national, racial, or religious hatred, invoking the principles of international law.
The high commissioner underscored the necessity of actively countering hate speech, urging responsible authorities, influential figures, and the private sector to take proactive measures. He called upon nations to redouble their efforts in implementing the UN's action plan for combating religious intolerance.
Turk concluded by cautioning against falling prey to political opportunists who deliberately exploit religious differences to sow chaos and division. He implored societies not to be instrumentalized by these provocateurs and to stand united against their divisive tactics.