(Geneva) The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk deplored on Saturday “a sharp increase in hatred” in the world since the Hamas attacks on October 7.
Mr. Türk strongly deplored, in a press release, the increase in cases of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and other hate speech.
“The impact of this crisis […] has had repercussions everywhere, dehumanizing both Palestinians and Jews. We are witnessing a significant increase in hate speech, violence and discrimination, a deepening of social divides and polarization, as well as the denial of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. -he regretted.
“I have heard Jews and Muslims say they do not feel safe, and that saddens me,” the UN official added.
PHOTO FABRICE COFFRINI, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk
The Israeli army is surrounding the main city of the Gaza Strip, attempting to crush Hamas in retaliation for the October 7 attacks that Israeli authorities say killed around 1,400 people in Israel, most of them civilians.
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says more than 9,400 Gazans, mostly women and children, have been killed during the Israeli offensive.
Mr. Türk said that across the world, “Islamophobic and anti-Semitic harassment, attacks and hate speech have increased, including in the context of conflict-related protests.”
The High Commissioner also denounced the “inflammatory, toxic and hateful rhetoric” used by political leaders. “The torrent of hate speech used, including on social media, is abhorrent,” he said.
“International law is clear on this subject. Any call to national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence is prohibited,” he said.
Mr. Türk also expressed concern about the limits imposed on freedom of expression in the context of the conflict, noting that some countries had decided on significant restrictions on the right to demonstrate, citing risks linked to national security or glorification of terrorism.
“States must guarantee a safe and conducive space for participation and debate,” he said. “They cannot unduly restrict participation and debate or critical commentary on the conflict, or expressions of solidarity with Israelis or Palestinians.”
“In some cases, we have seen blanket or disproportionate restrictions on gatherings, mainly in the context of pro-Palestinian protests,” he added.