UK Statement for the Panel on Countering Religious
Hatred. Statement not delivered due to time constraints.
Mr President,
In recent months, we have seen a shocking increase in hatred and
intolerance. Jewish children are scared to go to school. Muslim
women have been abused in the street.
Let me be clear - we unequivocally condemn incitement to
discrimination, hostility, or violence, wherever this occurs.
The United Kingdom is a proud multi-ethnic, multi-faith
democracy. However, we are cognisant of the challenges we face.
So we are seeking to address the underlying causes of religious
hatred while supporting all victims, including through:
- funding Tell MAMA, the leading national organisation to
monitor and support victims of anti-Muslim hatred.
- our Protective Security for Mosques Scheme.
- funding the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant.
We agree with the Special Rapporteur that we must strike a
balance - combatting religious hatred whilst upholding all human
rights including freedom of religion, belief, speech and
expression.
These issues are complex. But we must be prepared to stand up for
our shared values. And to draw a line, as international human
rights law does. There is no space for religious intolerance and
hatred in pluralistic, modern societies.
The time has now come for us to stand together to combat and
overcome the poisonous forces of division we face.
