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India Abstained from UNGA Islamophobia Resolution
UNGA Islamophobia Resolution
India recently abstained from voting on a Islamophobia resolution introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) aimed at combating Islamophobia. The resolution, titled “Measures to combat Islamophobia,” was adopted by the 193-member General Assembly with 115 nations voting in favor and 44 abstentions, including India, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine and the UK.
What is the Islamophobia Resolution?
The resolution titled “Measures to combat Islamophobia,” introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China aimed to combat Islamophobia introduced on 15th March 2024- the International Day to Combat Islamophobia (Declared in 2022).
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, explained India’s abstention by asserting that the prevalence of “religiophobia” against Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other faiths facing violence and discrimination must also be acknowledged, rather than singling out just one religion.
India stressed to the UNGA that the adoption of the resolution should not establish a precedent that could result in numerous resolutions “potentially dividing the United Nations into religious camps”.
| Islamophobia resolution | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution Title | Measures to combat Islamophobia |
| Introduced By | Pakistan |
| Co-Sponsored By | China |
| Outcome | Adopted with 115 in favor, 0 against, 44 abstentions |
| India’s Position | Abstained |
| India’s Concern | Emphasized the need to acknowledge religiophobia against non-Abrahamic religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism) |
| India’s Argument | Against creating resolutions centered on specific religions to avoid division |
| India’s Call to UN | To consider broader scope of religious discrimination beyond Islamophobia |
| Notable Incidents Cited by India | Destruction of Bamiyan Buddhas, attacks on gurudwaras, temples, and spreading of hatred against non-Abrahamic religions |
| India’s Stand | Against all forms of religiophobia including antisemitism, Christianophobia, Islamophobia, and sentiments against Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism |
India emphasized that it is crucial to recognize that Hinduism, with over 1.2 billion followers, Buddhism with more than 535 million, and Sikhism with over 30 million followers worldwide, are all subject to religiophobia. A unified approach to combat all forms of religious discrimination and violence is necessary to promote inclusivity and equality.
How Are Phobias Defined and Categorized?
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), a phobia is an intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations that leads to avoidance behaviors and can significantly interfere with daily life.
Phobias are categorized into three main types: social phobias, agoraphobia, and specific phobias. Fear and anxiety play a central role in the development and impact of phobias. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of phobias is crucial for effective treatment and management.
How Does Religion Interact with Mental Health and Phobias?
Research suggests that Religion and spirituality can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health. Religious coping, or the use of religious beliefs and practices to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, can be an effective strategy for some individuals.
However, certain religious beliefs and practices can also contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues, including phobias.
Final Thoughts
India’s abstention in the UNGA on the Islamophobia resolution introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China has brought attention to the broader issue of religiophobia and the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to combating all forms of religious discrimination.
Recognizing the phobias against various faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, is crucial for promoting global peace and harmony.
