HE GCCSG:GCC States are Taking Significant & Valuable Steps to Combat Islamophobia

nabdalhadath – Ahmed Bin Abdulqader

His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the GCC states are taking significant and valuable steps to combat Islamophobia, stemming from the belief that Islam is a religion of love, tolerance, and understanding, calling for peace and coexistence among peoples, and urging respect for cultural and religious diversity.

This statement was made by HE the Secretary General on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, where he mentioned that all joint GCC statements, at all levels, reiterate the importance of establishing the values of dialogue and respect among peoples and cultures, rejecting everything that would spread hatred and extremism.

Elaborating further, His Excellency stated: “The GCC states also call for concerted international efforts to promote these principles in all societies, spread a culture of religious tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence, and condemn all statements offensive to Islam, Muslims, and Islamic civilization. They emphasise the importance of confronting all forms of hatred, intolerance, negative stereotyping, and distortion of the image of religions.”

Moreover, HE the Secretary General pointed out the efforts made by the GCC states in this field, including the proposal to establish a Gulf scientific observatory to combat extremism, through the Committee of Their Excellencies the Ministers Responsible for Islamic Affairs and Endowments in the GCC states. “This proposal is an important and necessary step, as it will contribute to enhancing the true image of Islam and confronting hate campaigns,” His Excellency said.

Furthermore, HE the Secretary General affirmed the GCC states’ firm positions and decisions regarding terrorism and extremism, regardless of their source, and their rejection of them in all their forms and manifestations, stating: “The GCC states reject any motives or justifications for terrorism and extremism, work to dry up their sources of funding and support international efforts to combat terrorism.”

He also stressed that terrorism is not linked to any religion, culture, nationality or ethnic group, and that tolerance and coexistence among nations and peoples are among the most important principles and values upon which the societies of the GCC states were founded, adding that this is reflected in their dealings with other peoples.

In conclusion of his statement, HE the Secretary General condemned all terrorist acts, affirming the sanctity of shedding blood and rejecting attacks on civilians and civilian facilities, such as schools, places of worship and hospitals. He called on the international and regional community to coordinate constantly to confront terrorist groups and sectarian militias that threaten security and undermine stability.