UNGA RESOLUTION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: India recently abstained in the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution led by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China on Islamophobia, advocating for recognition of "religiophobia" against Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other faiths, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging all religions facing discrimination and violence.

UNGA Resolution

• Resolution on Islamophobia: The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution 'Measures to combat Islamophobia', with a significant majority of 115 nations voting in favor, none against, and 44 abstentions.
• India's Position on Religious Discrimination: India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, condemned acts of discrimination based on religion, including anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and Islamophobia.
• Acknowledgment of Broader Scope: India emphasized the importance of acknowledging that phobias extend beyond Abrahamic religions, advocating for a broader understanding of religious discrimination.
• Caution Against Precedent: India cautioned against establishing a precedent that could lead to numerous resolutions focusing on phobias tied to specific religions, expressing concern about the potential division of the United Nations into religious camps.

UN General Assembly 

• Establishment: In 1945 under the United Nations (UN) Charter
• Member Countries: All 193 members
• UNGA President: The UNGA is headed by its President, who is elected for a term of one year.
• Composition: United Nations General Assembly comprises all 193 Members of the United Nations.
• Mandate: provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter.