Oman vows to combat hate speech, to promote tolerance

New York: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the high-level event on the occasion of the fifth International Day to Combat Hate Speech, jointly organised by Morocco and the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, which was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Omar bin Said al Kathiri, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations, affirmed Oman’s firm commitment to promoting a culture of tolerance, coexistence and mutual respect, as authentic values ​​rooted in the Omani national identity and embodied in its policies and institutions.
He said Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, continues to support dialogue, moderation and peaceful engagement at the national and international levels, based on its approach of promoting understanding between peoples and cultures and consolidating the values ​​of peace and coexistence.
Al Kathiri reviewed initiatives aimed at promoting religious and cultural coexistence through the development of national frameworks that support freedom of belief and cultural diversity; and the implementation of educational and awareness programmes that instil the values ​​of dialogue, understanding and digital responsibility among young people.
He underscored Oman’s support for the United Nations strategy and action plan on combating hate speech and its belief in the importance of strengthening multilateral efforts to address the root causes of this phenomenon and build more inclusive and cohesive societies.
He focused on the Muscat Plan, recently launched by Oman in partnership with the United Nations' Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, which aims to empower religious, traditional and community leaders to contribute to preventing hate speech and extremism; and to promote a culture of dialogue, mutual respect and social cohesion.