UN Human Rights Council 55: UK Statement on Countering Religious Hatred

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.