The Special Rapporteur presents two annual reports on combatting glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism, and other racially discriminatory ideologies to the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council based on the views and inputs collected from States, international organizations, National Human Rights Institutions, and civil society organizations. In June 2020, she will present to the Human Rights Council her fifth report, which addresses intersections of anti-Semitism with other forms of racism and intolerance. This call for submissions relates to her 2020 report to the General Assembly.

Additional Background, Guidance, and Information on the Call for Submissions

Background

Anti-Semitic tropes associating Jews with disease and contagion have a long history. Recent reports document an increase of anti-Semitic incidents and conspiracy theories since the outbreak of COVID-19. Some of the ideology behind these manifestations of anti-Semitism overlap with those that during this period have also resulted in increases in anti-Asian and anti-black racism, Islamophobia, and attacks on non-nationals, in relation to the origin and propagation of COVID-19. These expressions of racism and xenophobia contribute to a general sense of fear. They also risk reinforcing ethnonationalist approaches to responding to the pandemic, which undermine the imperative of a global response.

Purpose of the Report

To address these trends, the Special Rapporteur will focus her 2020 report to the General Assembly on COVID-19 related anti-Semitic incidents, as well as other forms of racism and intolerance that have undermined the human rights of groups and individuals on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or other related grounds. The Special Rapporteur invites interested stakeholders to make written submissions on this topic.

How Submissions Will Strengthen Special Rapporteur's Report

The Special Rapporteur believes that wide participation is key to the quality of her report. She welcomes submissions from Member States, civil society organizations, private companies, academics, policy researchers, relevant experts, and other stakeholders.

For this report, the Special Rapporteur would especially appreciate submissions that provide:

• Data, statistics, and trends detailing anti-Semitic incidents and other forms of racism and intolerance related to COVID-19;
• Key issues, dilemmas, and challenges in combating anti-Semitism and other racist and xenophobic propaganda via the use of Internet, social media or any other technical means;
• Key legal and policy measures at national, regional and international levels that aim to neutralize and eradicate the anti-Semitic movement fuelling xenophobic and hateful messaging and conspiracy trends using COVID-19;
• Examples of good practices at national, regional, and international levels to eliminate racist ideologies or alleviate the manifestation of anti-Semitism in the pandemic crisis.