INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN- Majid Takht Ravanchi, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has warned against spreading
Islamophobia throughout the world.Speaking at a United Nations meeting on Monday to commemorate International Day Countering Hate Speech,
Takht Ravanchi stated that the rising tide of provocation against individuals based on their religious beliefs poses a severe threat to
appreciation to you for convening this High-level Meeting to commemorate the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.We value the
proclamation of this international day to highlight the commitments to the purposes and principles of the United Nations, and to promote
intercultural and interreligious dialogue, dialogue among civilizations, as well as tolerance and reconciliation in matters relating to
peaceful coexistence among cultures and religions.In our increasingly interconnected world, we need to rely on diverse cultures to enrich
our ability to confront multitude of challenges facing human beings.We should recognize the potentials of this diversity and create a new
sense of togetherness and closeness.Today, such phenomenon as hate speech, xenophobia and Islamophobia, as well as incitement to hatred
based on religion, have seriously challenged the essentials of tolerance among nations.Notably, proliferating hate speech, discrimination
and violence, has caused great suffering toward Muslim communities around the world.The growing trend of Islamophobia has been fueled by the
lack of resolve on the part of certain governments to confront hate speech and acts of hate against Muslims, anti-Muslim media outlets, as
well as civic groups promoting a hostile and abusive environment against Muslims in the West
Islamic symbols and holy sites are being pursued in certain countries
In this regard, we would like to recall Article 20 (2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states that any
advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by
law.In addressing this growing phenomenon, we may also refer to the gender aspects, as Muslim girls and women are frequently targeted
because of the way they dress.Such Islamophobic tendencies have created an environment conducive to violence and violent extremism which
poses serious threats to the social cohesion as well as security and well-being of all societies.The designation of 15 March as
International Day to Combat Islamophobia by the General Assembly was a milestone in our collective efforts to combat this menace.We just
heard outrageous allegations made by the representative of the Zionist regime against my country.We reject these allegations which are made
to deflect attention from Israeli crimes and atrocities in our region
