Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has emphasized that religious hate speech is spreading unchecked both online and offline, while gaps in national policy frameworks allow it to thrive.
Speaking before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk stated that countries can and should do more to combat this menace. He called for initiatives to train law enforcement officials, the judiciary, religious authorities, educators, and media professionals in countering religious hatred. These efforts should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes religious literacy, improved understanding, sensitivity, and clear measures to address discrimination.
Türk expressed hope that dialogue within the council would be an initial step toward developing a political “roadmap” for countries to combat religious hate in accordance with international human rights law.
He also mentioned that his office would seek to engage major social media companies to assess their implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
It’s worth noting that the impact of religious hatred on human rights has undergone thorough scrutiny within the council since an urgent debate on the issue and the adoption of a resolution in July. This resolution called on countries to take action following the Quran burning incident in Sweden in June.
Religious hate speech, whether online or offline, poses significant threats to human rights and can contribute to social tensions and conflicts. The United Nations is actively working to address this issue and calls on countries to take measures to combat religious hatred and promote religious tolerance and understanding.
The recent focus on this issue within the United Nations Human Rights Council reflects the growing concern about the spread of religious hate speech worldwide.
