Western countries strongly oppose resolution, arguing it conflicts with laws on free speech

A deeply divided UN  Human  Rights  Council has approved a controversial resolution that urges countries to “address, prevent and prosecute acts and advocacy of religious hatred”, after incidents of Qur’an-burning in Sweden.

The resolution was strongly opposed by the US, EU and other western countries, which argued that it conflicted with laws on free speech. On Wednesday, the resolution was passed, with 28 countries voting in favour, 12 voting against and seven abstaining.

While strongly condemning the burnings, however, western countries defended free speech. The German envoy called them a “dreadful provocation” but said free speech also meant “hearing opinions that may seem almost unbearable”.

Pakistan’s envoy to the UN in Geneva, Khalil Hashmi, said the resolution did not seek to curtail free speech but was instead aimed at striking a balance.

The resolution condemns all manifestations of religious hatred including “public and premeditated acts of desecration of the holy Qur’an” and urges that those responsible be held to account.

Source: The Guardian