The Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres warned that hate speech has become widespread at an alarming level, and said that everyone is obliged to defend the truth at the ceremony in the UN General Assembly, which began with a minute of silence, on the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance to the victims of the Holocaust.
Commemorating the victims of the Holocaust in his speech, UN chief Guterres stated that anti-Semitism did not start with the Nazis and did not end with their defeat.
“Discrimination, expulsion and massacre continued for many years after the Holocaust. Today, hate speech is spreading at an alarming level. It is the duty of all of us to defend the truth. It is also our duty to protect our humanity. Together we must fight against lies and hatred, especially in virtual environment,” said Guterres.
Noting that “demonizing” others or denying diversity is a danger to all, Guterres said the fight against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia is of greater importance after October 7.
“Let us never remain silent in the face of discrimination and let us not tolerate intolerance,” Guterres concluded.
The President of the 78th UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, said in his video message that it is necessary to constantly do more, and not stay only on rhetorical messages.
Stating that the Holocaust is a reminder that we must constantly be vigilant against hatred, racism, prejudice and intolerance, Francis said we must work together for a common future.
“Now we must learn to live together, with dignity and respect for each other,” Francis said.
