UN Secretary-General António Guterres has decried the “tsunami” of anti-foreigner sentiments arising from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a video message on Friday, Guterres said that anti-foreigner sentiments and xenophobia related to the pandemic had risen online and in the streets.
He stated that migrants and refugees had been “vilified as a source of the virus”, and then denied access to medical treatment.
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The UN chief, who did not mention countries where the act is taking place, called for concerted global action to end the wave of hate speech.
“COVID-19 does not care who we are, where we live, what we believe or about any other distinction.
“We need every ounce of solidarity to tackle it together. Yet the pandemic continues to unleash a tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scare-mongering.
“Anti-foreigner sentiment has surged online and in the streets. Anti-Semitic conspiracy theories have spread, and COVID-19-related anti-Muslim attacks have occurred.
“Migrants and refugees have been vilified as a source of the virus — and then denied access to medical treatment.
“With older persons among the most vulnerable, contemptible memes have emerged suggesting they are also the most expendable,” he said.
Guterres said that journalists, whistleblowers, health professionals, aid workers, and human rights defenders were also being targeted for doing their jobs.
He said that urgent action was needed to strengthen the “immunity of our societies against the virus of hate.
“That’s why I’m appealing today for an all-out effort to end hate speech globally.
“I call on political leaders to show solidarity with all members of their societies and build and reinforce social cohesion.
“I call on educational institutions to focus on digital literacy at a time when billions of young people are online, and when extremists are seeking to prey on captive and potentially despairing audiences.”
He also urged the media, particularly social media companies to “do much more” in flagging and taking down hate contents in line with international human rights laws.
Guterres canvassed the commitment of countries to the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech launched in 2019.
He said countries where duty-bound to protect people, end stigma and prevent violence as they battle the disease.
“I call on civil society to strengthen outreach to vulnerable people, and religious actors to serve as models of mutual respect.
“And I ask everyone, everywhere, to stand up against hate, treat each other with dignity and take every opportunity to spread kindness,” he said.