Global Outrage Erupts Over Quran Burning as UN Grapples with Hate Speech

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held an urgent meeting to discuss religious protection and speech rights following the rise in acts of religious hatred, particularly the desecration of the Holy Quran in some European and other countries. Pakistan and other nations condemned these acts as incitement to religious hatred and discrimination. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasized the need to combat hate speech through awareness, dialogue, education, and interfaith engagement. He warned that hate speech, fueled by social media, is rising globally and damaging social cohesion. The debate raises questions about balancing free speech with religious freedom, with Sweden's government defending the right to freedom of expression while condemning the Quran burning incident. The UNHRC hopes to pass a resolution on Quran burning this week.