Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

The Muslim Council of Elders, a leading international organization dedicated to promoting peace and coexistence, has called for enacting “binding international legislation to eliminate the threat to global security and peace.”

On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech on June 18, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who is also the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar (Egypt)  said, "Hate speech and intolerance are corrosive forces that undermine the fabric of our societies. They breed division, fuel conflict, and erode the principles of justice and equality," he stated. "It is imperative that we, as a global community, come together to formulate and implement a cohesive strategy to combat these menaces."

It affirmed that diversity is a divine principle and that pluralism, acceptance, and respect for others should be the foundation of dialogue between different religions, cultures, and civilizations, aiming for a world where everyone enjoys peace, security, and stability.”

The council called for “a comprehensive global strategy to combat hate speech, intolerance, and discrimination. This appeal comes in response to the alarming rise in incidents fueled by xenophobia and religious intolerance around the world.”

A release of the Council on the occasion quoted Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, as saying, “ The Elders Council “emphasizes the importance of promoting values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, as well as enacting binding international legislation to eliminate threats to global security and peace.”

The Muslim Council of Elders, for its part, is making significant efforts to combat hate speech, intolerance, and discrimination through numerous initiatives, programs, and projects that aim to promote and strengthen the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence as well as various international conferences that seek to build bridges of dialogue and communication between different cultures and religions, thereby fostering a culture of tolerance, respect, and acceptance of others.

The Council's proposed strategy has the following key points:

International Legislation: Advocating for the establishment of international laws that criminalise hate speech and discriminatory actions, ensuring that such behaviours are met with appropriate legal consequences.

Education and Awareness: Implementing educational programs that promote tolerance, cultural understanding, and respect for diversity from a young age. These initiatives aim to create a foundation of mutual respect and empathy among future generations.

Media Responsibility: Calling on media outlets to adopt ethical standards that discourage the dissemination of hate speech and misinformation. The Council encourages the media to play a proactive role in promoting positive narratives that foster inclusion and coexistence.

Interfaith Dialogue: Strengthening interfaith dialogue and collaboration to build bridges between different religious and cultural communities. This involves regular exchanges and joint initiatives that promote mutual understanding and solidarity.

Community Engagement: Encouraging grassroots movements and community-based efforts to counteract hate speech and discrimination. Local communities are urged to develop programs that support victims and educate the public about the dangers of intolerance.

According to the Muslim Council of Elders' website, the Council's initiative has garnered widespread support from various international organisations and religious bodies. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the Council's efforts, stating, "Combating hate speech and discrimination requires a united global effort. The Muslim Council of Elders' comprehensive approach is a significant step towards fostering a world where diversity is celebrated and protected."

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to implement the proposed strategy as the summit concluded. The Muslim Council of Elders plans to engage with governments, international organizations, and civil society groups in the coming months to realize this vision.

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Swami Chandradev states that the world needs peace. "If we want peace in this world, we must see everyone through the same lens, regardless of religion, people, gender, or anything else. The way we wish to be treated should be the sole method of treating others. As much as I respect the Geeta, being a Hindu, I must also respect the Bible and the Quran. Interfaith harmony must come naturally and not be forced for publicity. I believe faith connects with peace, and peace is connected with everything else."