The recent Qur’an burnings in Sweden and Denmark have been strongly condemned by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as “despicable acts of aggression.” Amid the growing diplomatic crisis, the OIC called for the intervention of the United Nations to address this concerning issue.
During a special virtual session of foreign ministers, held on Monday, a further protest involving the desecration of the Muslim holy book took place outside the Swedish parliament.
The OIC, which represents 57 states, devised a comprehensive 35-point action plan. It urged the UN Secretary-General to appoint a special rapporteur on combating Islamophobia and called on all governments to fully implement existing laws or adopt new legislation, if necessary, citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Additionally, the OIC instructed its groups in New York and Geneva to continue raising awareness and informing the relevant United Nations organs about the situation. The organization also advocated for the issue to be included on the agenda of the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September.
Emphasizing the significance of promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals without discrimination based on sex, language, or religion, the OIC sought to have the resolution referred to the relevant organs of the United Nations official document under Article 1–3 of the UN Charter.
The Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister, Tobias Billström, stated that the demands put forth by the OIC would be carefully studied, and conversations with the OIC and its member countries would continue. He reaffirmed the government’s unequivocal dissociation from Islamophobic acts carried out by individuals at demonstrations in Sweden. The Ministry of Justice was also conducting a legal analysis and intended to collaborate closely with the OIC.
In response to the situation, Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, and the Justice Minister, Gunnar Strömmer, were scheduled to hold a press conference on Tuesday to address the protection of Swedish citizens.
The OIC expressed its deep concern over the rising incidences of intolerance, discrimination, and acts of violence worldwide. It observed an increase in attempts to spread Islamophobia in many parts of the world, evidenced by the growing number of incidents of religious intolerance, negative stereotypes, hatred, and violence against Muslims. The incidents of burning copies of the Qur’an were cited as exacerbating intolerance and discrimination.