Geneva, 11 June 2026
I am appalled by the violence
erupting in different parts of the United Kingdom in recent
days, following a brutal attack in Belfast on Monday and the
release of bodycam footage relating to the December 2025
attack in Southampton.
I express my deep sympathy with
all victims as well as their families and communities. I
understand investigations have been launched, and
accountability is key.
Various actors have
instrumentalized these attacks and have engaged in divisive
narratives against communities based on race and ethnicity
to incite hatred and violence. Scapegoating and
dehumanization is totally unacceptable. Violence against
individuals, the burning of homes, damage to property, and
targeted intimidation of these groups, are
deplorable.
Politicians and leaders have a heightened
responsibility to refrain from narratives that inflame
tensions or stigmatize communities. Providers of social
media platforms must also take their own human rights
responsibilities seriously regarding hate speech and
incitement to
violence.
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