UN human rights chief calls for global ‘zero tolerance’ against anti-Semitism
This happened just one day later. The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) issued a statement expressing horror. on the reported summary executions of six Israeli hostages who were among those kidnapped by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups in October 7 terrorist attacks.
According to reports, the Israeli military found their bodies over the weekend, in a tunnel near the border with Egypt.
Follow the news, OHCHRHigh Commissioner of, Volker Türk called for an “independent, fair and transparent investigation and for perpetrators to be held accountable”.
‘Strong increase’ after October 7
In his statement at a conference on the issue in Geneva on Wednesday, Mr. Türk noted that reports of anti-Semitic attacks and hate speech globally have increased, with a “sharp increase” occurring after attacks on southern Israel that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza.
He said the anti-Semitic acts had “leaving deep scars that are difficult to heal. But We can – and must – learn from them.“ .
He said both. United Nations Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was guided and reinforced by The fundamental goal is to overcome “hatred and ignorance that lead to violence, destruction and inhumanity.”
Addressing anti-Semitism
“People have been attacked. Lives have been threatened,” the rights chief noted, following a Hamas-led attack on Israel last October.
“Homes and religious buildings have been defaced with messages intended to intimidate and incite hatred,” he continued.
The High Commissioner also noted the rise in hate speech against the Jewish community on social media as well as “inflammatory and toxic rhetoric” used by “irresponsible political leaders”.
“This is unacceptable and We must work together to solve it in all its forms.”, Mr. Türk said.
No tolerance
Mr Türk has reiterated his recent call for zero tolerance towards anti-Semitism in sport at Human Rights CouncilPanel on Promoting Human Rights Through Sport and the Olympic Ideal.
He also said his office had organized a panel discussion in Berlin, together with the World Jewish Congress, on combating anti-Semitism in football during the UEFA European Football Championship.
“It is imperative that countries and other stakeholders take steps to address [antisemitism] – as well as all forms of hate speech that weaponize our diversity of backgrounds and beliefs,” he said.
To address this problem, it is necessary to prohibit advocacy of forms of hatred that lead to violence and provide full legal protection for all communities, the human rights chief said.
Mr. Türk encouraged member states to enact anti-discrimination laws and for members of society to adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards anti-Semitism.
“Anti-Semitism is not just an insult to the Jewish community; It is an attack on our collective humanity. – causing division, discrimination and violence,” Mr. Türk said. “We all have a duty to eliminate it.”
