Geneva, A UN expert today underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the growing advocacy of hatred based on religion or belief, identifying it as a critical factor in global polarization and conflict. The call to action emphasizes the necessity for states to address the issue not only through direct interventions but by understanding and confronting the broader societal and historical context that fosters such hatred.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nazila Ghanea, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, presented her insights during the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council. Ghanea pointed out that expressions of hatred towards religious or belief groups are symptomatic of a wider societal disdain and discrimination, which are often rooted in complex socio-political and historical contexts.
Ghanea’s report detailed the multifaceted nature of religious or belief-based hatred, highlighting the individual and collective toll it takes on society. She noted the prevalence of threats, harassment, conspiracy theories, myths, and accusations of blasphemy and apostasy, both online and offline. These manifestations of hatred not only have profound psychological impacts but also serve as harbingers of escalating prejudicial attitudes.
The expert criticized the focus on isolated incidents perpetrated by individuals, arguing that this often overshadows the more systemic issue of State policies that perpetuate intolerance and discrimination. Ghanea urged states to rigorously review their legislation and policies to eliminate hate speech and establish mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of whether they are state actors.
The report also addressed the contentious issue of attacks on holy books and religious symbols, acknowledging the significant public outcry such actions have elicited. While recognizing that these acts may constitute criminal incitement under certain conditions, Ghanea emphasized that responses must adhere to human rights standards and be judiciously applied.
Ghanea called for a global commitment to dialogue and cooperation among states to foster diversity and protect human rights, including the freedoms of religion or belief and expression, in today’s diverse and interconnected societies. She also shared summaries of her official visits to Tajikistan and Sweden, conducted in April and October of 2023, as part of her statement to the Human Rights Council.