STATEMENT BY MALAYSIA
22nd Special Session of the Human Rights Council
Human Rights situation in Iraq
1 September 2014
Thank you Mr. President,
Malaysia associates itself with the statement delivered by Iran, on behalf of the NAM.
2. We are deeply disturbed that the so-called "Islamic State" entity has used Islam to justify their reign of terror in the Iraqi territories. In doing so, they have created a false image of Islam they purport to represent, betrayed all Muslims and damaged and maligned the religion of Islam. Like all other religions, Islam does not preach violence and the ideology of this group has nothing to do with Islam.
3. Malaysia is unequivocally against all forms of extremism and terrorism. We condemn all acts, methods and practices of terrorism. In this regard, we condemn in the strongest terms the so-called "Islamic State" terrorists and its associated groups for the unspeakable human rights violations perpetrated by them in the Iraqi territories. The Government of Malaysia has classified ISIL as a terrorist organization and arrested suspected ISIL members, both Malaysians and foreigners in Malaysia, for suspected terrorist activities.
4. Groups employing terrorism in the name of religion or faith is nothing new. However, they usually are a minority until a wider dissatisfaction among the population provides it with sustenance and support. Terror and acts of violence are also a net result of an environment of chaos and viciousness that was created by injustice, inequality, discrimination, conflicts and wars. These groups’ ability to be effective, especialy in the case of this particular one, was also the result of interference from outside the country. Therefore, there is a real need for us to tackle these issues first to stop these kinds of terror groups from flourishing.
5. Malaysia reiterates its firm belief that moderation is key in stopping extremism. The Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honourable Dato’ Sri Najib Razak had stated at the 65th Session of the UN General Assembly in 2010 that the real divide is not between Muslims and non-Muslims or between the developed and developing worlds. It is between the moderates and the extremists. The voices of moderation, in this regard, must retake the centre stage to drown out the destructive and divisive voices of extremism and terrorism.
I thank you, Mr President.
GENEVA
1 September 2014