UN rights chief calls for immediate action against desecration of religious places, symbols

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) – The UN human rights chief on Thursday called for an immediate action against rising desecration of religious places and symbols worldwide.

"Human Rights Council resolution 53/1 noted with deep concern the rising incidents of desecration of places of worship and religious symbols across the world, calling for immediate action to address it," Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said in his verbal update on drivers, root causes and human rights impacts of religious hatred during UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

He pointed out that publicly staged burnings of Islam's holy book, the Quran, have persisted in some countries since the council’s urgent debate in July.

"I want to emphasize once again that I strongly reject these disrespectful and offensive acts, especially those which have the clear aim to provoke violence and stir division."

He underlined that such acts that deeply impact millions of individuals are cutting to the core of their identity and values.

To address this problem, Turk said, a broad consultation process will be facilitated with states and stakeholders.

He added: "I hope this process will ultimately provide a blueprint for countries to adopt legal and law enforcement frameworks and robust policies to counter the scourge of religious hatred – in line with international human rights law – and to act swiftly to ensure accountability."

The UN rights chief also said that he expects to delve more deeply into these issues during the next two sessions of the council, including the presentation of his office's report next June.