Resolution 16/18, a measure adopted “by consensus” – without a vote – at the U.N. Human Rights Council – was introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), a coalition of 57 Muslim states.
Formally entitled “combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion or belief,” it follows in the footsteps of the controversial “Defamation of Religion” resolutions passed by the UN since 1999.
These resolutions, which sought to limit criticism or insult to Islam, lost significant support in recent years as more countries came to recognize the danger they posed to free speech and religious expression.
Resolution 16/18 was hailed as a shift away from these earlier resolutions on “defamation of Islam” (later changed to “defamation of religion”) introduced by the OIC and duly voted through each year at both the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly
Religious Tolerance Resolution Backed by Obama Administration Aligns With Islamic Bloc’s Interests
December 16, 2011
