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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Maharashtra sets up state vaccination task force to strengthen immunisation programme
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra government has set up a State Vaccination Task Force to strengthen the regular immunisation programme and review the progress of related campaigns, a health department official said on Monday.
The State Vaccination Task Force will comprise at least 29 members and will be headed by the administrative head of the health department, he informed.
The government has also constituted separate district-level and municipal vaccination task forces to improve implementation and address challenges at the grassroots level, he said.
Municipal task forces, chaired by respective civic commissioners, have been constituted in view of the vast urban population in Maharashtra and the role of civic bodies in implementing different health programmes.
The district-level task forces will function under the chairmanship of collectors.
"Complete immunisation of children at the appropriate age is an extremely simple, cost-effective and highly effective measure to reduce child mortality and the prevalence of diseases among kids. Immunisation is a powerful tool for reducing illness in children," maintained the official.
To ensure full vaccination of all children, the state government implements various campaigns from time to time as per the central government guidelines, he pointed out.
"Active participation and cooperation of other relevant government departments are essential (in making these campaigns successful)," according to the official.
The state-level body will review the regular immunisation programme, associated campaigns and vaccine-preventable diseases in detail. It will also conduct focused assessments of high-risk districts and municipal corporations, including vacancies at district, municipal and sub-district levels, availability of cold chain equipment, resource gaps and training requirements, he noted.
The state task force will review allocation and utilisation of funds for immunisation and ensure timely action by officers concerned based on reports from district and municipal task forces and state-level monitoring mechanisms, the official said.
It will also ensure active coordination and participation of other government departments in immunisation drives, while district and municipal task forces will carry out similar functions at their respective levels, the official added.
