Russia Calls Islamophobia An Unacceptable Form Of Racism, Supports The Draft Of UN Resolution

Maria Zakharova. (Twitter/@RussianEmbassy)

JAKARTA - The Russian government considers Islamophobia an unacceptable form of racism, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

Reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, March 14, Zakharova said about the issue of Russia's solidarity along with the approach of Muslim countries and Islamic Cooperation Organizations (OICs).

"We reject discrimination and harassment against Muslims on the basis of religious affiliation as well as to ensure religious freedom based on respect not only for individuals but also the collective rights of religious communities," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

Zakharova promised Russia's support for a draft Muslim-state resolution at the UN General Assembly with the theme "Steps to Combat Islamophobia" in the context of International Day to Combat Islamophobia which is celebrated every March 15.

The resolution regulates respect for Islam as a component of the principles of cultural and religious diversity and to establish the mandate of the UN Special Envoy to combat the form of religious intolerance.

"Russia is one of the sponsors of the draft resolution," said Zakharova.

Last week Zakharova criticized Islamophobia in Europe, saying Islamophobia had touched an unprecedented scale at the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly.