India abstains from voting on anti-Islamophobia resolution at UN
India abstained from voting on a draft resolution on combating Islamophobia at the UNGA on Friday. Introduced by Pakistan, the resolution was adopted, with 115 nations voting in favour.
India’s envoy, Ruchira Kamboj, said while Islamophobia is significant, other faiths also face religiophobia. She cited the prevalence of anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist and anti-Sikh sentiments. Kamboj asserted the need for resolutions addressing phobias across religions to foster harmony.
Stressing India stands against all religiophobia, Kamboj said adopting resolutions dividing the UN into religious camps should be avoided. She highlighted discrimination faced by over 1.2 billion Hindus, 535 million Buddhists and 30 million Sikhs globally.
Kamboj cited the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas and attacks on temples and gurudwaras. She urged acknowledging challenges to non-Abrahamic faiths to avoid a sense of exclusion.
India said the UN must maintain an inclusive stance above religious matters. While condemning Islamophobia, the prevalence of anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and religiophobia towards other faiths facing violence should also be acknowledged.
The resolution sought to combat discrimination and violence against Muslims. It requested appointing a UN special envoy on Islamophobia. However, India felt a non-singular focus was needed to foster unity among diverse faiths.
