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UN rights commission concerned by negative stereotyping of religions

UN rights commission concerned by negative stereotyping of religions

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights has expressed concern at the negative stereotyping of religions in some regions and the frequent and inaccurate association of Islam with terrorism and human rights violations.

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights has expressed concern at the negative stereotyping of religions in some regions and the frequent and inaccurate association of Islam with terrorism and human rights violations.

Meeting at its annual session in Geneva, the Commission adopted a resolution yesterday noting with deep concern that the defamation of religions and the ethnic and religious profiling of Muslim minorities had intensified since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.

The 53-member body also voiced its concern at programmes and agendas pursued by extremist organizations and groups aimed at defaming religions, particularly when sponsored by governments. The resolution was adopted with 29 States in favour, 16 against and seven abstaining.

The Commission also adopted a resolution on the right to development, which included an agreement for it to consider during its next session whether to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on the right to development. It also decided to renew the mandate of the Working Group on the issue for another year.

The Commission adopted this text by a vote of 49 members in favour and three countries - Australia, Japan and the United States - against. There were no abstentions.

The Commission, which is holding its 60th annual session this year, runs until 23 April. Yesterday it also heard from many representatives of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) about human rights issues around the world.