The Maldives has called on the international community to take stronger measures to stop the recurrence of acts of hatred against Islam.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid made the statement at the 18th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The virtual meeting discussed the repeated incidents of desecration and burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Denmark, and also the storming of the holy grounds of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Minister of National Security of Israel.
In his remarks, Minister Shahid strongly condemned the recent burning and desecration of the Holy Quran and described the vile act that as one that hurts the sentiments of all Muslims, and as a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression. He further said that it would lead to the spread of hatred and divisions within societies. He highlighted the importance of standing together for respect and mutual understanding and noted joint efforts that led to the adoption of the Human Rights Council resolution on combating religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. He also pointed to the powerful example set by a Muslim individual, who chose not to burn the Torah and the Bible, despite being allowed to do so, describing his act as a true reflection of what Islam represents – peace and tolerance.
Additionally, Minister Shahid condemned the repeated violations of the holy grounds of Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied East Jerusalem. He reiterated that the Maldives will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians in their inalienable right to self-determination. He also reiterated the long-standing position of the Maldives that a sustainable peace in the Middle East can only be achieved from a two-state solution, with the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a resolution on the repeated incidents of desecration of copies of the Holy Quran in Sweden and Denmark and a communique on the storming of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli occupation government’s officials were adopted, with member states agreeing to work together to stop acts of hate against Islam.