JEDDAH: The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha has commended the UN General Assembly for passing a resolution that sets March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The secretary-general reiterated the OIC’s belief that this designation will consolidate global awareness of the threat of hatred and fanaticism against Muslims, while encouraging the international community to take concrete measures to combat the phenomenon and advance tolerance and peaceful coexistence throughout the world. He underlined that incitement to hatred and intolerance on religious grounds can create conditions that pose a threat to global peace, security and stability, making it an antithesis to all freedoms. The OIC said the adoption of the resolution by the UN General Assembly was a pivotal step towards concrete global actions needed to combat the menace of incitement to hatred, discrimination and violence based on one’s religion. Taha also expressed the readiness of the OIC to cooperate with the UN as well as with all members of the international community to promote unity and harmony in order to achieve global peace and understanding. The Muslim World League has also welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution. MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of Muslim Scholars Association Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa praised the efforts of Islamic diplomacy and partners from all countries and international and religious organizations in achieving the unanimous adoption of this pivotal resolution by the UN member states. He also stressed that this resolution establishes an important stage in confronting hate speech, racism, intolerance and extremism, and contributes constructively and effectively in supporting dialogue initiatives among the followers of religions and cultures as well as achieves greater security, stability and prosperity for all human communities.