OIC voices grave concern at Quran burnings

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has voiced its grave concern over increasing Islamophobia and recurring incidents of Quran burnings in Nordic countries.

Over the last few weeks, some elements desecrated the holy book in Sweden and Denmark, triggering strong criticism from Muslim nations.

On Monday, the 18th Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers adopted a resolution against the incidents of intolerance, discrimination and rising Islamophobia.

The resolution reaffirmed the importance of the action plan unanimously agreed by the UN Human Rights Council to counter incitement to hatred, discrimination and violence based on religion and belief.

The biggest bloc of Muslim countries expressed "disappointment" with the response from Sweden and Denmark to Quran burnings.

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called on both countries to prevent the desecration of Quran and "expressed his disappointment that no measures had been taken in this regard so far.

A statement from the Jeddah-based organisation quoted Taha as saying: “It is unfortunate that the concerned authorities claiming freedom of expression continue to provide licences to repeat these acts contrary to international law, and this leads to a lack of respect for religions."

The 57-member body said its chief would lead a delegation to the European Union to urge officials there "to take the necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such criminal acts under the pretext of freedom of expression".

The OIC also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to appoint a special rapporteur on combating Islamophobia.

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