Kuwait calls for international pledge to respect religions

The State of Kuwait has urged the UN Human Rights Council to issue "an international pledge" to respect religions and sanctities, to be a framework for international relations. Kuwait calls on the international community to exert further efforts for boosting tolerance and renunciation of radical thoughts, said Haidar Abul-Hassan, the third secretary of the Kuwaiti permanent mission at the UN here. Recently-produced movie, injurious to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), is a stark example of incitement for hatred and rejection of the other. Moreover, it "does not serve our goal of building bridges of understanding among nations," the Kuwaiti diplomat pointed out. He called, in the name of the State of Kuwait, on the international community to take all necessary measures to face any deed that may desecrate doctrines and religious symbols, "for this constitutes negative impact on security and stability in some regions of the world." International laws on racial indiscrimination and hatred for foreigners stress on rejection of any act that target religious beliefs, he said expressing appreciation for all efforts that have been exerted by the council to combat indiscrimination and all affiliated forms of fanaticism. Racial indiscrimination and hatred of foreigners is rejected "in our Kuwaiti society," elaborated Abul-Hassan, noting Kuwait's legacy as a country based on multiple thoughts and beliefs -- where people have co-existed in peace since pre-oil times. Kuwait's Constitution is full of provisions that affirm equality of people living in the country, without any discrimination in terms of color, origin or language. "Citizens in Kuwait are equal in front of the law in terms of rights and duties," he added. Also in this respect, the diplomat indicated at Kuwait's efforts against extremism, namely its establishment of the World Moderation Center for promotion of moderation and combating fanaticism.