Secretary-General: GCC States Take Major Steps to Combat Islamophobia
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stressed that GCC states are taking significant and valuable steps to combat Islamophobia, emphasizing that Islam is a religion of love, tolerance, and understanding that advocates for peace, coexistence, respect for cultural and religious diversity.
Albudaiwi made this statement on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed annually on March 15.
He highlighted that all joint Gulf statements, at every level, reaffirm the importance of promoting the values of dialogue and mutual respect among peoples and cultures while rejecting anything that fuels hatred and extremism. These statements also call for intensified international efforts to reinforce these principles across societies, spread a culture of religious tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence, and condemn all offensive remarks against Islam, Muslims, and Islamic civilization. They stress the importance of countering all forms of hatred, intolerance, negative stereotyping, and misrepresentation of religions.
Albudaiwi pointed out the efforts of GCC states in this regard, including the proposal to establish a GCC Scientific Observatory to Combat Extremism through the Committee of Ministers of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in GCC countries, emphasizing that this initiative is essential to enhance the true image of Islam and counter hate campaigns.
The secretary-general reiterated the firm positions and resolutions of GCC states in rejecting terrorism and extremism, regardless of their sources, and their absolute rejection of all forms and manifestations of these threats, as well as any justifications or motivations behind them. He also emphasized the commitment to eradicating sources of terrorist financing and supporting international efforts to combat terrorism. He underscored that terrorism is not linked to any religion, culture, nationality, or ethnic group, and that tolerance and coexistence among nations and peoples are fundamental principles upon which GCC societies are built, as reflected in their interactions with others.
Albudaiwi also condemned all acts of terrorism, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and rejecting any harm to civilians and civilian facilities such as schools, places of worship, and hospitals. He urged the international and regional communities to maintain ongoing coordination to confront terrorist groups and sectarian militias that threaten security and undermine stability.
