New york: Pakistan has described the Muscat Plan of Action as an innovative pathway to address the scourges of hate speech, prevent incitement to genocide and other atrocity crimes and promote peace mediation, dialogue and local peacebuilding.
Speaking at the launching event of the Muscat Plan of Action at the United Nations headquarters, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan, said that the plan galvanizes the cultural legitimacy and credibility of the traditional and indigenous leaders in countering hate speech and promoting peace through mediation and local peacebuilding. "By mobilizing traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and local mechanisms, the Plan of Action reinforces States' efforts for establishing just, inclusive and peaceful societies," he said.
The Muscat Plan of Action is a United Nations-backed framework designed to strengthen the role of traditional and Indigenous leaders and peoples in addressing hate speech and preventing genocide and atrocity crimes and their incitement. The launching ceremony was attended among others by the UN Secretary General Antanio Guterres.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said that in the backdrop of steep rise in exclusion, intolerance and discrimination in today's world, Pakistan supports initiatives such as Muscat Plan of Action. He said that we appreciate the urgency and attention accorded by the United Nations to stem the tide of these disruptive tendencies. He said that Pakistan shall continue to work hand in hand with our international partners to dismantle the twisted and flawed ideology of hate speech, and for turning our societies into oasis of peace, equality and tranquility.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that hate speech, and incitement to genocide and atrocity crimes are driven by complex factors, adding that an effective and holistic response to these crimes in terms of prevention and awareness-raising entails national and international responsibility as well as the role of local leaders.
He said that heads of clan, tribal chiefs and indigenous leaders have historically played a leading role in local governance, and conflict prevention and mediation. "Even today, they remain at the forefront of peacebuilding, dispute resolution and humanitarian relief efforts," he said.
He congratulated the Sultanate of Oman, United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and Peacemakers Network for compiling and finalizing the Muscat Plan of Action.