STORY: China opposes all forms of Islamophobia: Ambassador in Geneva
DATELINE: July 13, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:27
LOCATION: GENEVA, Switzerland
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Palais des Nations
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): CHEN XU, Head of the Chinese Mission to UN at Geneva
3. various of the 53rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

STORYLINE:

China is against all forms of Islamophobia, the country's top diplomat in Geneva said at a debate during the ongoing 53rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR).

Ambassador Chen Xu, head of the Chinese Mission to the United Nations, stressed that China has always advocated mutual respect, tolerance and understanding between different civilizations.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): CHEN XU, Head of Chinese Mission to UN at Geneva
"China supports holding this urgent debate and condemns the recurrent desecration of the Holy Quran incidents in some countries. China has always been advocating mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding among different civilizations, and firmly opposes all forms of 'Islamophobia.'

Islamic civilization has made important contributions to world civilization, and the religious beliefs and feelings of Muslims matter. The so-called 'freedom of expression' should not be used as a justification for inciting a clash of civilizations or creating a confrontation between civilizations.

China is ready to work with all parties to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, which advocates adherence to the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and tolerance among civilizations. Misunderstandings between civilizations can be overcome through enhanced exchanges, clashes avoided by strengthening mutual learning, and civilization superiority replaced by the co-existence of various civilizations.

China hopes and believes that this urgent debate, followed by the thematic dialogues and discussions, will encourage some countries to demonstrate political will and take practical action to address the deep-rooted problems that lead to arrogance, discrimination and xenophobia, to enhance understanding of and respect for different religions and civilizations, and to promote the building of a community of shared destiny for mankind."

The UNHCR on Tuesday launched an urgent debate on an alarming rise in premeditated and public acts of religious hatred, as demonstrated by the frequent desecration of the Holy Quran in some European countries. The Council subsequently adopted a resolution on the matter on Wednesday morning.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Geneva, Switzerland.
(XHTV)