Hatred on basis of religion or belief must be addressed holistically: UN expert

Widespread advocacy of hatred based on religion or belief is among the key drivers of polarisation and conflict around the world, and must be addressed comprehensively, a UN expert said today.

“Expressions of hatred based on religion or belief are, in themselves, a serious issue to which States must be sensitive, and respond to in a holistic manner. Such hatred is indicative of a broader social reality – that of disdain and discrimination towards a religion or belief group – which may have deep socio-political and historical roots,” said Nazila Ghanea, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. “This broader context must be addressed if advocacy of hatred based on religion or belief is to be meaningfully combatted.”

In her report to the 55^th Session of the Human Rights Council, Ghanea highlighted the various forms that hatred on the basis of religion or belief can take, how it burdens members of society individually and collectively, and its intersections with other forms of discrimination.

Threats, harassment, conspiracy theories, myths, and accusations of blasphemy and apostasy, both online and offline, are common experiences which can have significant psychological and even physiological impacts on individuals and communities, the expert said.

“Such expressions serve as warning signs of prejudicial attitudes which must be addressed, in advance of any further escalation,” Ghanea said.

The expert highlighted the disproportionate attention that is given to ‘lone wolf’ actors and hate entrepreneurs, at the expense of overlooking the perpetuation and implementation of extensive State policies of intolerance and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief. She urged States to review all legislation and policies to ensure that they are free of hate speech, and that complaints mechanisms are in place to ensure that there is no impunity for actors who engage in advocacy of hatred, whether State actors or not.

Much attention and condemnation has understandably been drawn from public instances of burning Holy Books, including the Holy Qur’an, over the last year, the expert said.

“Attacks on holy books, and religious symbols, can constitute criminal incitement under the threshold test specified by the Rabat Plan of Action but only once deliberated upon and ascertained in a specific case. Responses must be human rights-compliant and carefully calibrated,” she said.

“The global nature of this scourge demands renewed dedication to dialogue and collaboration among States. States should adopt policies and programmes to promote diversity and uphold human rights, including freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, in our increasingly multicultural and interconnected societies.”

In her statement, the Special Rapporteur also presented summaries of her official country visits to Tajikistan and Sweden, which took place in April and October of 2023.