Agenda Item 9: Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

General Debate

Statement by: Kayan - Feminist Organization and Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ

9 July 2019

Mr. President,

We would like to express grave concerns about the increasing phenomenon of hate speech and misinformation about specific groups used by politicians in order to foment hate, division and intolerance in society.   

In spite of the important committments expressed by the DDPA, which stresses on the obligation of states to eliminate discrimination, we mention the reduced funds and the undermining of the DDPA.

Politicians are taking advantage of increased global tensions, in order to influence the voting pattern among citizens.

Populist  movements  prosper  across  the  globe. It is the case of Israel, where far-right political representatives are publicly delivering hate speech against Arabs.

Political instrumentalization and manipulation can evolve into violent acts, as words fuel extremism and trigger the worst human reactions.

Hate crimes against Palestinians are often direct or indirect, targeting their property, and worst their personal safety or their lives.

Recently, on 16 May 2019, a Palestinian teenager from East Jerusalem, aged no more than 16, was hospitalized after being attacked by a group of Jewish teens shouting “Death to Arabs”.

Kayan and Geneva International Centre for Justice call on this Council to encourage world leaders to be committed to international treaties and avoid hate speech, preventing incitement to violence and atrocity crimes.

Thank you, Mr. President

Justice, Human rights, Geneva, geneva4justice, GICJ, Geneva International Centre For Justice