KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have raised their voices against the escalating hatred, intolerance, discrimination, and acts of violence directed at Muslims and their sacred beliefs worldwide.
The two leaders, who met in New York during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, expressed their deep concern about the alarming trend that has particularly gained momentum in Europe.
In a joint statement, Anwar and Erdogan underlined the emergence of a new form of racism characterised by xenophobia, negative profiling, and stereotyping of Muslims.
They expressed deep concern about the increasing hatred, intolerance, discrimination, and violence against Muslims, noting the trend had reached alarming levels, particularly in Europe.
Acknowledging the annual coordination meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) scheduled today (Sept 21) in New York, the leaders highlighted its importance in discussing ways to prevent the burning of copies of the Holy Quran.
Anwar and Erdogan also welcomed the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 76/254, designating March 15 as the "International Day to Combat Islamophobia."
"This resolution underscores that terrorism and violent extremism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation, or ethnic group," said the two leaders.
Both leaders applauded the urgent debate held during the 53rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, addressing the "alarming rise in premeditated and public acts of religious hatred," including the burning of holy books, and adopting a resolution defining such actions as religious hatred.
"We, the leaders of Turkiye and Malaysia, underline that such actions of religious hatred, racism, discrimination, and xenophobia pose a severe threat to peace and incite a culture of violence."
The two leaders also recalled the resolution adopted during the 18th Extraordinary Session of the OIC on July 31, which had expressed concern over the intensification of campaigns denigrating Islam and inciting acts of violence, xenophobia, and related intolerance against Islamic religious symbols.
The leaders condemned recent incidents involving the burning of copies of the Holy Quran in several European countries, denouncing them as an abuse of freedom of expression.
They also criticised populist discourse that incites hate speech and aggression against Islam and Muslims.
Anwar and Erdogan reaffirmed the essential role of political commitment at the highest level to fully and effectively implement the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 16/13.
They encouraged states to criminalise incitement to violence based on religion or belief and to ensure accountability.
The two leaders reiterated the call in United Nations Resolution 76/254 to strengthen international efforts to foster global dialogue, promoting a culture of tolerance and peace based on respect for human rights and the diversity of religions and beliefs.
Malaysia and Turkiye also called upon all relevant stakeholders, including governments, to increase their efforts to address discrimination, xenophobia, racism, and hate speech per international human rights standards.
The joint statement from Erdogan and Anwar serves as a powerful call to action against the rising tide of Islamophobia and related forms of hatred and intolerance.