‘We have a duty to stand against intolerance’: UN human rights chief
26 January 2025
GENEVA (26 January 2025) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk today condemned the recent spate of intolerant and discriminatory incidents around the world, and called on everyone to stand up against hatred and prejudice.
“In recent weeks, we have seen an alarming increase in hate speech, discrimination and violence targeting people based on their religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and other characteristics,” Türk said. “This is unacceptable and must stop.”
The High Commissioner said that intolerance is a threat to human rights and to the very fabric of our societies.
“Intolerance breeds division, conflict and violence,” he said. “It undermines our common values and makes it impossible to build a just and equitable world for all.”
Türk urged everyone to stand up against intolerance in all its forms.
“We have a duty to speak out against hate speech,” he said. “We have a duty to challenge discrimination. We have a duty to protect those who are targeted by intolerance.”
The High Commissioner also called on governments to take action to combat intolerance.
“Governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens from discrimination and violence,” he said. “They must adopt and enforce laws that prohibit hate speech and discrimination, and they must investigate and prosecute hate crimes.”
The High Commissioner also called on the media to play a responsible role in combating intolerance.
“The media has a powerful influence on public opinion,” he said. “It must use that influence to promote tolerance and understanding, not hatred and division.”
Türk stressed that intolerance is a problem that affects everyone.
“Intolerance does not just harm the victims,” he said. “It harms all of us. It makes our societies less safe, less just and less compassionate.”
The High Commissioner called on everyone to work together to build a world free of intolerance.
“We must all stand up for human rights,” he said. “We must all stand against intolerance. Together, we can create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”
ENDS
For more information and media requests, please contact: Liz Throssell UN Human Rights Office – Geneva Tel: +41 22 917 9296 / Email: elizabeth.throssell@un.org
‘We have a duty to stand against intolerance’: UN human rights chief
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