Mr. President,

We are faced with a pressing need to seriously address and take immediate action against the challenges presented by racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism and Islamophobia. We remain particularly concerned about these, as well as anti-immigrant sentiments, which are on the rise globally and more particularly in Europe. Migrants are victims of unequal treatment, prejudice, stigmatization, violent attacks, hate crimes and adverse public discourse. They are unfortunately stigmatized as scapegoats for the ills of the society.

The scourge of racism, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance have dangerously 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. We have a moral and legal obligation to protect the right of individuals to be free from any kind of discrimination. It is crucially important that prominent personalities, particularly politicians and media representatives in countries where these attacks frequently take place, use uniting rhetoric, instead of divisive remarks and attitude.

Turkey believes that a successful fight against all forms and manifestations of discrimination and intolerance requires combined efforts at national and international levels.

In the context of combatting intolerance, discrimination and Islamophobia, Turkey continues also to play its part in the adoption and promotion of HRC resolution 16/18 and its follow-up resolutions.

It is our firm belief that through enhanced 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.