WAN is concerned that this resolution will be used by authoritarian governments to justify suppression of freedom of expression on the grounds of religious defamation. It moreover believes that it is wholly inappropriate for the Human Rights Council to justify censorship and the stifling of dissenting voices.

The resolution, sponsored by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, condemns defamation of religions in general, although it mentions only Islam specifically. Presented as a measure to protect the religious sensibilities of Muslims, the resolution asserts that freedom of expression “should be exercised with responsibility and may therefore be subject to limitations as provided by law”. The resolution passed the Council by 24 votes to 14, with nine abstentions.

The Board of WAN calls on the UN Human Rights Council President to take all necessary steps to ensure that international standards of freedom of expression are fully supported by the Council and not undermined by such resolution.