"Union for Human Rights"Promoting a culture of tolerance and respect for diversity, the pillar of coexistence and human brotherhood
Abu Dhabi, March 15 / WAM / The Union Society for Human Rights stressed the importance of promoting a culture of tolerance and respect for religious diversity as a basic pillar of societal peace.
The association explained in a statement issued today on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, which falls on March 15 of each year, that the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution No. A/RES/76/254, at the initiative of 60 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, including the UAE, to declare this international day in confirmation of the rejection of linking terrorism or extremism to any religion, civilization, or human group.
The Assembly noted that in 2024, the General Assembly adopted an additional resolution calling for legislative and political measures to combat Islamophobia, followed in May 2025 by the appointment of Miguel Angel Moratinos as a special UN envoy to combat Islamophobia, in a move that reflects an increasing international commitment to confronting hate speech and incitement.
In its review of the international context, the association explained that in 2019, the United Nations launched a strategy and action plan to combat hate speech, as part of global efforts aimed at promoting a culture of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
At the national level, the association confirmed that the UAE adopts a well-established legal and institutional framework to confront hatred and discrimination, through Federal Decree Law No. (34) of 2023 regarding combating discrimination, hatred and extremism, which criminalizes incitement to hatred or discrimination on the basis of religion or belief.
The association noted that the state has adopted a national program for tolerance with the establishment of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence to promote a culture of coexistence and respect for diversity, in addition to hosting the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019, and establishing the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi in 2023 as a practical platform for religious dialogue and cultural convergence.
The association pointed out that the UAE embraces the Council of Muslim Elders, an independent international institution established in Abu Dhabi in 2014 to promote peace and confront extremism and hate speech, as well as its diplomatic stances in support of combating Islamophobia within international forums.
The Union Society for Human Rights emphasized that consolidating the values of tolerance in the UAE represents a national approach that enhances stability and establishes mutual respect, which contributes to building more harmonious and peaceful societies.
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