Hate spreading at 'alarming speed,' says UN chief

WASHIGNTON

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday warned against "alarming" rise of hate in the world.

"The antisemitism that fuelled the Holocaust did not start with the Nazis. Nor did it end with their defeat. The Holocaust was preceded by thousands of years of discrimination, expulsion, exile and extermination, including by my own country, Portugal.

"Today, we are witnessing hate spreading at alarming speed," Guterres said at the annual Holocaust Memorial Ceremony which is organized in observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

Holocaust denial and distortion are proliferating, Guterres said, adding: "It is up to all of us to defend the truth. And to defend our common humanity. Working together, we must combat online lies and hate."

The UN is determined to fight against racism and bigotry in all forms, he said.

"And today it is more important than ever, especially in the wake of the horrific 7 October Hamas attacks that claimed the lives of more than one thousand Israelis and others, injured many more and resulted in the brutal seizing of hostages.

"In the last several months, we have seen an outburst of antisemitism and anti-Muslim bigotry around the world. Every one of us must resolve to stand up against the forces of hate, discrimination, and division. We must condemn antisemitism – unequivocally – whenever and wherever we encounter it," he added.

'Alarming surge' in hate speech across world

Guterres called on the world to equally condemn all other forms of racism, prejudice and religious bigotry, including anti-Muslim hatred and violence against minority Christian communities.

"Let us never be silent in the face of discrimination, and never tolerant of intolerance. Let us speak out for human rights and the dignity of all. Let us never lose sight of each other’s humanity, and never let down our guard. To all who confront prejudice and persecution, I say clearly: you are not alone. The United Nations stands with you," he said.

For his part, President of UN General Assembly Dennis Francis said there is an "alarming surge" in hate speech across the world.

"Today and every day we must recommit and do more than just say 'never again'. We must live our lives daily by this mantra.

"The Holocaust must forever be a warning to all of us to stay vigilant against widespread hatred, racism, prejudice, and intolerance; divisive and destructive views and forces that seek deliberately to dehumanize and often to demonize human beings on the most spurious of grounds," Francis said.

He added that the world must strive towards a common future that is "safer, free from fear, and characterized by mutual respect, tolerance, and harmony."