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Human rights

GCC Countries Express Concern Over Freedom of Religion and Belief

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have expressed alarm over the challenges faced by freedom of religion and belief in the region. In a speech delivered at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Idris bin Abdulrahman al Khanjari, Permanent Representative of Oman to the UN, highlighted widespread acts of violence, incidents of religious hatred, and increasing discrimination and intolerance as major concerns. The GCC states also emphasized the need to ensure respect for religions at the legislative and applied levels and to take measures to consolidate respect for religions in societal thought.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GCC countries have expressed concern over the challenges facing freedom of religion and belief, including widespread acts of violence, incidents of religious hatred, and increasing discrimination and intolerance.
  • Idris bin Abdulrahman al Khanjari, Permanent Representative of Oman to the UN, emphasized the need to ensure respect for religions at the legislative and applied levels and to take measures to consolidate respect for religions in societal thought.
  • The GCC states call on the Human Rights Council to set a global and humanitarian goal to achieve a tolerant world that respects the idea of freedom of belief in its comprehensive dimensions by 2030.
  • The GCC countries agree with the Special Rapporteur on the importance of ensuring respect for religions and taking measures to consolidate respect for religions in societal thought.
  • The GCC states pointed out that the burning of the Holy Quran is a clear evidence of the gravity of intolerance that needs to be confronted.
  • The GCC countries highlighted the need to reach a tolerant world by 2030, as stated in the Special Rapporteur's report.

Statistics:

  • The 52nd regular session of the Human Rights Council took place at the United Nations in Geneva.
  • The GCC countries have expressed concern over the challenges facing freedom of religion and belief.
  • The Special Rapporteur has highlighted the importance of ensuring respect for religions and taking measures to consolidate respect for religions in societal thought.
  • The GCC states have called on the Human Rights Council to set a global and humanitarian goal to achieve a tolerant world by 2030.
  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is celebrating its centenary year, and the GCC states have emphasized the need to reach a tolerant world by 2030.

Sources:

  • "GCC States Speak Up on Freedom of Religion and Belief," Gulf News
  • "GCC Calls for Respect for Religions," Arab News
  • "Drone Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities: World Speaks Out," The Guardian
  • "UN Security Council Meets to Discuss Religious Freedom," Reuters

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