Geneva - Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
In an emergency session held in Geneva on the “alarming increase in overt and deliberate acts of religious hatred, which was manifested in the repeated desecration of the Holy Qur’an in some European and other countries,” the High Commissioner for Human Rights called for spreading harmony between religions and addressing hate speech
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has said that the abuse and destruction of manifestations of our deepest beliefs can polarize societies and cause great tensions.
Volker Türk's words came at the opening of the emergency discussion session held in Geneva on the "alarming increase in overt and deliberate acts of religious hatred, manifested in the repeated desecration of the Holy Qur'an in some European and other countries." The session, which was held on Tuesday, came within the activities of the fifty-third regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights indicated that these incidents appear to have been designed to express contempt, stir up anger and strife among people, and "turn differences in concepts into hatred and perhaps violence."

The need to respect others
Türk spoke about a number of key points, the first of which is the need for people to show respect for others, saying, "Only in this way can permanent dialogue become possible. Only in this way can behavior prevail among human beings that enables us to deal with the challenges we face together."
He also stressed that provocative rhetoric and actions against Muslims, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, actions and rhetoric targeting Christians or minorities such as Ahmadis, Baha'is and Yazidis, are manifestations of categorical disrespect.
"It is hostile, irresponsible and wrong," he added.
Türk called for spreading harmony between religions and mutual respect for the benefit of all societies, adding that "political and religious leaders have an important role to play in denouncing disrespect and intolerance, clearly, decisively and immediately."
The High Commissioner said that restricting any aspect of freedom of opinion and expression should remain an exception, especially since laws restricting freedom of opinion are misused by those in power.
But he noted that an act of freedom of expression in certain circumstances could constitute incitement to action by others, which could sometimes be extremely violent and discriminatory.

Prohibition of hate speech
As for the second point that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights spoke about, it is the call on all countries to prohibit calls for hate that may incite violence, discrimination and hostility.
Türk said that some forms of expression that may not be considered incitement to violence can be considered hate speech "if they use derogatory and intolerant language towards a person or group of people on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation, or any other factor related to their person or personality." their identity, with the aim of degrading their dignity and devaluing them in the eyes of others.”
In his speech, the UN official also called for addressing hate speech in all societies through dialogue, education, awareness-raising, and communication between religions and societies.
Türk called on all countries to redouble their efforts to implement the United Nations strategy and plan of action on hate speech to confront intolerance based on religion or belief.
The High Commissioner said that many societies suffer from "the exploitation of religious differences for political ends".
He added, "We must not allow ourselves to be swept away by this and not be a tool in the hands of the merchants of chaos for political gain - those provocateurs who are deliberately looking for ways to divide us."
Türk concluded by saying, "We must commit to pushing for more tolerance, more respect, and more recognition of the importance and value of our differences."