India’s complex position on Islamophobia 

News: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a consensus resolution declaring March 15 to be celebrated as “International Day to Combat Islamophobia” annually.  

What is Islamophobia? 

It refers to the fear of and prejudice, discrimination and hate speech against Islam. For example, Muslims claims the face negative stereotyping in Western countries has exacerbated since 9/11 terrorist attacks.  

Who Introduced the resolution and for what purpose?

It was sponsored by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). 

OIC wanted “high-visibility events” for curbing Islamophobia by the member states of UN. But, OIC had to withdraw this demand.

Instead, it was decided to observe March 15 as “International Day to combat Islamophobia” in “an appropriate manner”. 

What was the stand by various countries and organizations?

India and the European Union (EU) had major difficulties with the very basis of the proposal.

India

– India wanted that the prevalence of religiophobia should be acknowledged instead of focussing on just one religion. The prevalence of ‘phobias’ are just not against Abrahamic faiths.

– These are found against non-Abrahamic faiths also like Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. For example, India has given refuge to the prosecuted members of Zoroastrians, Jews and Buddhists (Dalai Lama and his followers). India did “condemn” Islamophobia along with all other religiophobia.

– India formally accepted the resolution and allowed the resolution to pass without breaking the consensus. 

EU

Unlike India, the EU’s opposition was based on different philosophical underpinnings. The EU placed its focus on individual rights and freedoms. It did not focus on protection of religions per se. Thus, its emphasis was on the rights of non-believers.  

China

China sponsored the resolution. This was despite China’s abysmal record of treating the Uighurs (its Muslims). However, the China’s approach to the Resolution perhaps may be a result of a quid pro quo 

What is the way forward?

Focus on a single religion may lead to divisiveness based on “religious camps” in UN. 

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s complex position on Islamophobia” published in The Hindu on 26th Mar 22.