A/HRC/59/63
I. Introduction
1.
In its resolution 79/160 on combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other
practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance, the General Assembly requested the Special Rapporteur
to prepare a report on the implementation of the resolution, for submission to the Human
Rights Council at its fifty-ninth session. The present report is prepared in accordance with
that request.
2.
In preparing the report, the Special Rapporteur sought submissions from States and
other relevant stakeholders. She expresses her thanks to those who submitted contributions.
3.
In the present report, the Special Rapporteur summarizes the submissions received,
which highlight concerning trends. These include an increase in racially motivated hate
crimes; a marked rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia since 7 October 2023; growing
acceptance of far-right extremism in mainstream politics; reduced content moderation on
social media platforms, coupled with algorithms that can amplify harmful content; and the
targeted recruitment of young people by extremist groups.
4.
The Special Rapporteur also outlines the relevant international human rights law
principles on racial equality and non-discrimination, emphasizing their importance in
combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The Special
Rapporteur calls on Member States to address the rise in hate crime and in incitement to
violence against ethnic, racial and religious minorities and groups around the world.
Recalling the United Nations founding purpose of saving future generations from the scourge
of war,1 the Special Rapporteur urges States to intensify efforts to combat all manifestations
of ethnic, racial and religious hatred, and to actively foster tolerance and mutual
understanding within and among countries.
II. Submissions from Member States
5.
In this section, the Special Rapporteur summarizes information submitted by Member
States, including information on existing laws and policies to counter Nazism and neoNazism and other practices that fuel contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance. However, she does not analyse or evaluate those laws or
policies. She emphasizes that summarizing a submission does not constitute an endorsement
of its content. The legal and policy frameworks mentioned may have been assessed, within
the United Nations human rights system, as inconsistent with international human rights law.
Armenia
6.
Armenia provided information about its constitutional protections against
discrimination and its safeguards for the rights of national minorities. It also provided
information about criminal prohibitions on hate speech, incitement to violence, and
hate-motivated crimes; and about two draft laws: (a) on ensuring equality and protection from
discrimination; and (b) on national minorities. A strategic anti-discrimination document is
reportedly being developed, focusing on public awareness, vulnerable groups and education.
7.
Armenia highlighted partnerships with the Council of Europe, including a project to
combat hate speech through capacity-building and human rights education, and another
project with the police to establish a hate crime-related data collection system. Guidelines
and training have also reportedly been developed for officials in the justice system, to
improve the investigation of discrimination, hate speech and hate crime. Additional efforts
reportedly include incorporating tolerance and non-discrimination in school curricula, public
awareness campaigns, and multilateral efforts on genocide prevention.
1
2
General Assembly resolution 78/190.
GE.25-07709