UN chief calls for action against rising anti-Muslim bigotry
urges govts to protect religious freedom
New York: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has raised alarm over the growing wave of anti-Muslim sentiment across the globe, urging governments and digital platforms to take decisive steps against discrimination, xenophobia, and hate speech.
Speaking in a video address on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed on Saturday, Guterres highlighted the increasing challenges faced by Muslim communities.
“We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry. From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship,” he said.
While refraining from naming specific countries, Guterres emphasised the responsibility of governments to foster inclusivity and safeguard religious freedoms. He also called on social media platforms to curb the spread of online hate speech and harassment, noting that intolerance against any group threatens the rights and freedoms of all.
“When one group is attacked, the rights and freedoms of all are at risk. As a global community, we must reject and eradicate bigotry,” the UN chief expressed.
Guterres further noted that Muslim women often bear the brunt of Islamophobia due to misleading portrayals that depict them as oppressed. Addressing this issue, he underscored the need for fair representation and policies that promote equality and diversity.
Marking the occasion, Guterres urged world leaders, civil society, and individuals to take collective action in building inclusive societies where people of all faiths can coexist in peace and dignity.
“On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us work together to uphold equality, human rights and dignity, and build inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and harmony,” he said.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
