HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 32nd SESSION ITEM 9 STATEMENT BY TURKEY

28.06.2016

Mr. President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of his report yesterday focusing on one of the most important and continuing challenges to the fundamental human rights and freedoms: the phenomenon of xenophobia.

We remain concerned by xenophobia, racism and racial discrimination. With the rising trends of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, these scourges have evolved into serious and concrete threats to global peace and social harmony. They need to be urgently and effectively addressed by the international community as a whole.

Today, members of religious or ethnic groups are increasingly subjected to hostile acts. There is also a tendency to stigmatize people on the basis of race, color, descent and national or ethnic origin, and to use racist propaganda in politics.

Racist discourse and hate speech target in particular the vulnerable groups. In this context, as rightfully stressed by the Special Rapporteur in his report, the tendency to stigmatize migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers and foreigners as scapegoats for the ills of the society is a dangerous phenomenon prevalent in many countries. We are especially concerned with the perception about migrant workers that is conducive not only to xenophobia but also to ill-treatment, abuse and violence. Discrimination in any form against migrants should be prevented with all available legal means.

Mr. President,

We need to work together in promoting a culture of tolerance. In the context of combatting intolerance and discrimination based on religion, the HRC resolution 16/18 and its pursuing resolutions provide the necessary tools and the dedicated Action Plan. Moreover, the Istanbul Process complements this set of ideals as the embodiment of its implementation. It helps all stakeholders to develop a common understanding on difficult issues. Therefore, we should maintain the momentum on this valuable work.

It is our firm belief that with strengthened international efforts, it will be possible to foster a global dialogue for the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels.

Thank you Mr. President.