Latest news with #InternationalDaytoCombatIslamophobia
Business Recorder
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
UN special envoy to combat Islamophobia: Pakistan greets appointment of Miguel Ángel Moratinos
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan warmly welcomed the appointment of the High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Miguel Ángel Moratinos, as the United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 78/264, entitled, 'Measures to Combat Islamophobia.' This historic appointment marks a major milestone in the United Nations' efforts to combat the alarming rise in Islamophobia, hatred, intolerance, and discrimination against Muslims worldwide. Pakistan takes pride in having initiated, led, and successfully steered, on behalf of the OIC, the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 78/264, which established the mandate for the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. This builds on Pakistan's earlier leadership in the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 76/ 254, which proclaimed 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The appointment of the Special Envoy is timely and essential, as Islamophobia continues to escalate to deeply alarming levels around the world. Pakistan observes with grave concern the organised campaigns of vilification against Muslims, attacks on mosques, assaults on Muslim communities, and unprovoked aggressions against Muslim-majority countries — often perpetrated by those who hypocritically claim to uphold democratic and secular values. Such systematic and deliberate acts, driven by supremacist ideologies and populist rhetoric, endanger international peace and security, and gravely undermine the foundational principles of the United Nations Charter. There is an urgent need for enhanced and coordinated global action to promote respect for religious and cultural diversity, foster mutual understanding, and uphold the dignity, rights, and freedoms of all peoples. Pakistan remains firmly committed to continuing its leadership role in the global fight against Islamophobia, promoting interfaith harmony, and advocating for the protection of all religious communities. Pakistan also eagerly anticipates the Secretary-General's forthcoming comprehensive Action Plan to Combat Islamophobia, which will provide a much-needed strategic framework to guide international efforts against this rising menace. Pakistan looks forward to working closely with the Special Envoy in fulfilling his important mandate and supporting efforts to advance a world anchored in tolerance, coexistence, and justice. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan secures consensus at UN on funding for Islamophobia envoy
Listen to article Pakistan has secured consensus in the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly on a resolution to finance the newly established Office of the Special Envoy on Combating Islamophobia, officials confirmed on Saturday. The resolution on revised budget estimates was adopted without a vote during the closing session of the first part of the 79th UNGA. Pakistan's First Secretary at the UN Mission, Jibran Khan Durrani, delivered the national statement, expressing gratitude to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the G77 and China, and other international partners for their support. He noted that the outcome reflected the success of collective diplomacy and inclusivity. Pakistan played a lead role as one of the principal negotiators during the committee's discussions. The resolution ensures that the Office of the Special Envoy on Combating Islamophobia will be operational from the 1st of next month. The envoy's mandate will include monitoring, reporting, and advising on rising Islamophobic trends globally and supporting the UN's broader efforts against religious intolerance. The adoption marks a milestone for Pakistan's multilateral engagement, following its successful push to designate March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Arab Times
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
‘Turkiye, Kuwait share culture, traditions'
KUWAIT CITY, March 17: On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, the Turkish Embassy in Kuwait hosted a Ghabga event at its premises on March 16th, 2025. In her welcoming speech, Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez emphasized the shared culture and traditions observed by Turkish and Kuwaiti people during Ramadan, such as sharing meals, the strength of 'togetherness,' and engaging in acts of charity. Ambassador Sönmez also highlighted ongoing humanitarian tragedies across the world, including the genocide in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, and the crisis in Sudan. She touched upon the situation in Syria and commemorated the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, calling for constructive engagement for peaceful solutions and creating a world where everyone can practice their faith in harmony. Following her speech, a video showcasing the spirit of Ramadan in Türkiye was screened, presenting the cultural heritage of the country. The evening continued with a performance by four talented Turkish artists: Ms. VediaUlak on the 'ney,' Mr. Fatih Şanver on the 'qanun,' Mr. Onur Gunduzer on the 'guitar,' and Mr. Hasan Tamer on the 'baglama.' Their selections of traditional Turkish folk, art, and Sufi music resonated deeply with the audience. A commemorative group photograph was taken to mark the occasion. Guests at the event indulged in delicacies from traditional Turkish cuisine, including sweets and desserts. A cultural pre-dawn drummer presented traditional roaming, usually performed before suhoor in the streets, adding to the festive atmosphere. Attendees also participated in a quiz show about Türkiye and were presented with special gifts. Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez was accompanied by dignitaries from the State of Kuwait, including Deputy and Assistant Ministers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps, cultural envoys, high-level Kuwaiti officials, CEOs, and representatives of companies and NGOs
Fox News
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump admin mulls new travel ban, but no decisions made yet
No decisions have been made about whether to enact a potential travel ban on more than 40 countries, a White House official told Fox News Digital on Monday. The countries may face severe or total travel limitations instituted by the United States, according to reports from Reuters and the New York Times. Fox News Digital was not able to independently confirm details of the proposed program. The outlets reported that citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Cuba, Bhutan, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Venezuela, and Yemen would not be allowed to enter the U.S. under the proposal. These 11 countries would be placed under the "red" level in the color-coded system, according to the reports. During a State Department briefing on Monday, spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said that a list does not exist, but there is an ongoing review. "Well, first of all, there is no list," she said. "What people are looking at over these last several days is not a list that exists here that is being acted on. There is a review, as we know through the president's executive order, for us to look at the nature of what's gonna help keep America safer when dealing with the issue of visas and who's allowed into the country. "But what has being touted as something as an item through the State Department just simply isn't the case."Other countries, like Russia and Pakistan, would still have travel permitted — as opposed to a total ban — but would still face hurdles when it comes to getting a visa. That tier is considered the "orange" level. Various countries, including many in Africa, are reportedly also being monitored for potential restrictions on the "yellow" level and would have roughly two months to make changes to avoid being placed on the "orange" or "red" levels. The yellow level allegedly includes Caribbean nations, including St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as Antigua and Barbuda. Reuters reports that 41 countries would be affected in some way, though the Times puts the number at 43 nations. Early in the first Trump administration, an executive order banning travel from Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Libya faced legal hurdles and was derided as a "Muslim ban" by opponents due to the demographics of those nations. Proponents at the time argued it was needed to ensure a strict process for keeping track of who's entering the country. When President Trump signed the executive order banning travel and implementing "extreme vetting" for certain countries in January of 2017, he issued a statement that said in part, "To be clear, this is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting. This is not about religion – this is about terror and keeping our country safe." "There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority Muslim that are not affected by this order." Trump said at the time. Meanwhile, criticism is already developing over the new looming proposal. "Today's the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, all too timely and relevant in our current moment. With the threat of diminished civil liberties and a so-called Muslim travel ban allegedly in the works, New Yorkers must stay united and refuse to engage in hate and bigotry," New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams posted to X on Saturday. "I hope someone at [the State Department] reviews this list and notices that any kind of [travel ban] on Bhutan, a peaceful, landlocked Himalayan Buddhist kingdom (population: ~800,000) wedged between India and China, is utterly insane," American Enterprise Institute fellow Sadanand Dhume said in an X post. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment in time for publication. Customs and Border Protection said they "cannot comment on internal documents."
Muscat Daily
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Oman calls for global action against Islamophobia at UN
New York, USA – Oman has urged governments worldwide to enact legislation to prevent incitement to hatred, violation of holy books, and attacks on places of worship and Islamic symbols. The sultanate also called for the use of media and social platforms to counter hate speech and promote coexistence and respect for religious and cultural diversity. The call was made during an informal plenary session in New York on Saturday, marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. H E Omar bin Said al Kathiri, Oman's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered the statement, warning that Islamophobia threatens not only Muslims but also universal human values and global efforts towards peaceful coexistence. 'Oman firmly rejects all forms of hatred and discrimination,' H E Kathiri said, stressing the country's belief that respecting religious and cultural diversity is essential for global peace and stability. Referencing Oman's historical role in promoting peace, Kathiri highlighted the nation's maritime heritage, noting that Omani ships have undertaken voyages worldwide, spreading messages of peace, love and brotherhood.
