UN human rights chief concerned about hate speech and populists
Published: Wednesday, Jul 3rd 2024, 13:10
Volver a Live Feed
The rise of populist politicians in Europe and other regions of the world is a major concern for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.
Especially in times of election campaigns, there is often hate speech aimed at denigrating others, Türk said in Geneva. He named Europe, the USA and India among others. There should be no tolerance for this in politics.
Türk demands: Be vigilant
When asked about France, where the right-wing nationalist party Rassemblement National became the strongest party in the first round of voting, Türk said: "I am always concerned when I hear people talking who denigrate and dehumanize others, who make migrants, refugees, asylum seekers or minorities into scapegoats. We have to be very vigilant." The decisive second round of voting will take place in France on Sunday.
We know from history, especially in Europe, that the denigration of others is often a harbinger of even worse behavior. "We have to ring the alarm bell," Türk said in a press conference.
Türk: Study the election programs
"I call on everyone who is going to vote now or soon to look at the election programs to see whether they respect the human rights of all people," said Türk.
©Keystone/SDA
Spanish 
English 
German 
French 
Arabic