Qatar expresses concern over spread of Islamophobia

Qatar has once again strongly condemned the terrorist attack that targeted Muslims at two mosques in New Zealand, at an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Turkey on Thursday.

Reaffirming Qatar’s firm stance against terrorism in all its forms, regardless of its motive and reasons, His Excellency the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan Bin Saad Al Muraikhi called on members of the OIC to heighten efforts and devise plans to combat the spread of Islamophobia and radical extremism, reported Gulf Times.

Turkey called an emergency meeting of the OIC on Thursday to discuss the recent act of terrorism in New Zealand that shook the world. In light of the incident, “increasing violence based on Islamophobia” was the focus of the meeting, reported Al Jazeera

#Qatar Participates in Emergency Meeting of the #OIC Executive Committeehttps://t.co/y3tfbA0Wi7#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/CCfkiHqZXw

— MOFA - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) March 22, 2019

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs expressed Qatar’s deep concern regarding the rise of extremist ideologies that have led to hatred and religious and ethnic intolerance the world over.

He highlighted that the ideologies of racial superiority and racial extremism in several societies around the world have resulted in an increase in hate crimes against those who embrace Islam.

This and other issues are a grave violation of human rights and require members of the OIC not only to condemn the acts, but also to counter the hate speech against Muslims and to find ways to enact international laws to combat these phenomena effectively and seriously, reported The Peninsula.

He further emphasized on the significance of dialogue among societies to promote a culture of tolerance and moderation among all religions, cultures, and societies to fight racism, adding that this is the time that OIC can play a pivotal role in confronting the manifestations of Islamophobia.

HE Al Muraikhi thanked the Turkish government for organizing the emergency meeting to highlight the issue and declared Qatar's full solidarity with the government and people of New Zealand, lauding the measures taken by the country to protect Muslim communities.

Those responsible for this heinous act in New Zealand must be held responsible, HE the Minister said calling for proper security for mosques and other religious centers in the country.

Qatar is committed to support all OIC efforts in promoting a culture of peace and peaceful coexistence, HE the Minister concluded.

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were also in attendance at the emergency OIC meeting that convened delegations of other OIC member states as well. 

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