The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday outlined a
comprehensive set of measures to counter religious hatred,
emphasizing the urgent need for concerted action to address the
rising levels of discrimination and violence.
Speaking before a panel of experts at the 55th session of
the Human Rights Council, Volker
Türk underscored the importance of strengthening social cohesion
and increasing respect, with a particular focus on the role of
social media.
“Social media platforms have a clear responsibility to
combat online hate speech that may lead to real-world
discrimination and violence,” he said.
He noted that his office, OHCHR, is collaborating with several
companies to intensify efforts in meeting their human rights
responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business
and Human Rights.
“It is vital to uphold people's fundamental rights to live free
from all forms of discrimination, and from targeted attacks that
incite hostility and violence against them,” he added.
The Human Rights Council, the UN’s highest rights body, had
convened the panel to delve into the drivers, root causes, and
human rights impacts of the desecration of sacred books, places
of worship, and religious symbols.
Legal and judicial protections
In addition to promoting social cohesion, Mr. Türk urged
countries to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation,
providing legal tools to deliver justice and empower minority
communities for fuller participation in society.
He also called on justice systems to systematically address cases
of religious hatred, including instances of desecration of sacred
books and symbols.
“States also have an obligation to combat discrimination –
including on religious grounds – and I also urge such cases to be
brought before courts,” he emphasized, pointing out the need for
proper training of police forces to record and act on incidents
of incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence,
particularly those based on religious intolerance.
Vested political interests
During his speech, the High Commissioner drew attention to the
disturbing trend of hate-driven attacks across different regions,
ranging from hateful speech to symbolic acts and physical
violence.
Politicians were identified as actively promoting such hatred,
often scapegoating minority groups during electoral periods.
"This is acutely relevant in 2024, which will see more elections
take place than any other year in history, and with conflicts
rising, particularly in the Middle East," he said.
Rise in xenophobia
Mr. Türk also voiced deep concern over the alarming increase in
xenophobia and discrimination based on religion, gender,
ethnicity, and migrant status, as well as religious hatred
targeting women and girls.
“I want to stress my disgust for such expressions of scorn and
hate,” he said, emphasizing the denial of a fundamental premise
of the UN Charter – “to
practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as
good neighbours” – in instances where individuals or groups face
humiliation and discrimination.
