UN resolution against defamation of religion

With the support of China, Russia and Cuba, Moslem and Arab states pushed through a resolution at the U.N. Human Rights Council urging a global prohibition on the public defamation of religion. The Council expresses „deep concern at attempts to identify Islam with terrorism, violence and human rights violations.“ The resolution makes no mention of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism or any other religion besides Islam, but urges countries „to take resolute action to prohibit the dissemination of racist and xenophobic ideas and material aimed at any religion or its followers that constitute incitement and religious hatred, hostility, or violence.“
Human Rights Watch said the resolution could endanger the basic rights of individuals. The document „focuses on protection of religions themselves, particularly Islam, rather than the rights of individuals, including members of religious minorities,“ the New York-based rights group said in a statement. The resolution says freedom of expression „may … be subject to limitations as provided by law and necessary for respect of the rights or reputations of others … or morals and respect for religions and beliefs.“