Covid-19 pandemic: Guterres calls for protecting victims of hate, intolerance

ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said that the Covid-19 pandemic, which fuelled racism, stigma and disinformation, often targeting ethnic and religious minorities, has further exacerbated this dangerous convergence. He called upon the international community that it "must do more to support the victims of these heinous acts, as well as those who are working to address the root causes of intolerance and hate."

"Across the world, we continue to witness a rise in hate speech, intolerance, and even physical violence and attacks on individuals, groups, and sites, purely because of their religious beliefs or significance," the UN chief said in his message in connection with International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief observed worldwide on August 22.

"This violence often goes hand-in-hand with the infringement of other fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of thought or conscience," Guterres said.

Despite the risks, victims continue to speak out with great courage to defend their rights, he said. "I stand in full solidarity with them - and with the determined efforts of civil society actors, community and faith leaders, to mobilize against any act of violence or discrimination."

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The UN top boss said states have the primary responsibility to prohibit and deter discrimination and violence and to protect the human rights of religious minorities and ensure that perpetrators of these crimes are held accountable.

"I have made tackling this issue a priority, including through initiatives like the Call to Action for Human Rights, the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, and the UN Plan to Safeguard Religious Sites. Freedom of religion or belief is a human right, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today, this right is being tested."

"Let us commit to turning the tide on this appalling trend, to building more inclusive and peaceful societies, where diversity is celebrated as a richness that strengthens us all," he said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021