OIC defends resolution against defamation

The resolution, criticized by Western governments and a broad alliance of activist groups, was passed in the UN Human Rights Council in March and was later submitted to the UN General Assembly. The resolution is backed by the OIC and Muslim states. Critics of the resolution say it restricts freedom of expression.

OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, in a statemet released earlier this week, said the resolution was not restricted to or singling out Islam, but that it denounces discrimination and incitement to hatred stemming from the defamation of all religions. “It is important to note that passage of these resolutions by a majority vote beyond the membership of the OIC lends international legitimacy to the OIC position on this issue,” he said.

It was unfortunate, however, that smear campaigns were being conducted against the OIC by some NGOs as well as lobby and interest groups in the West based on baseless assumptions aimed at misleading Western public opinion, said İhsanoğlu, making clear that the OIC was merely seeking a concerted international effort to eliminate acts of incitement to hatred stemming from the defamation of religions.