Populist and separatist movements thrive on violent extremism, intolerance, and hatred (Upper House Speaker)

Enaam Mayara, Speaker of the House of Councillors, emphasized that populist and separatist movements have begun to expand alarmingly in many regions of the world where security vulnerability and instability are prevalent. These movements feed on violent extremism, intolerance, and hatred.

Speaking at the plenary session of the 146th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which had as its theme “Promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusive societies: combating intolerance,” Mayara said that the Sahel region is at the forefront of these areas where the foundations of peace and coexistence are openly threatened because it faces extremely difficult problems that have an impact on wider geographic areas.

In order to create inclusive societies that embrace all cultural, religious, and political elements, Mayara, who is leading a Moroccan parliamentary delegation to this event, which took place from March 11 to 15, emphasized the need for the international community to step up and coordinate efforts in order to help the countries in this region lay a strong foundation for peace and coexistence by eradicating the causes of violent extremism, intolerance, and hatred.

In order to achieve this, he said, “an approach based on human rights, the principles of social and community justice, full respect for the religious and cultural symbols of their nations and peoples, and the principles of a permanent and fruitful dialogue for the peaceful settlement of disputes in a manner that respects the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the region’s countries” were necessary.

He stressed that the Kingdom of Morocco is committed to international efforts to advance the values of peace and strengthen the system of values and ideals of coexistence as one of the founding members of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. He added that this commitment derives from the core of the Moroccan identity, which is based on openness, harmony, and cohesion and is united by the fusion of its various components, including Arab, Islamic, Amazigh, Sahrawi Hassan, and rich tributar.

He recalled that Morocco, aware of this role, had the UN General Assembly adopt resolution No. 73/328 on “Combating hate speech: promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance”, noting that this resolution, co-sponsored by 90 countries, highlights the importance of the “Fez Plan of Action on Combating Hate Speech and Violence that could lead to criminal atrocities”.

Read Also: Morocco welcomes Indian businesses to attract investments and increase trade exchanges