A recent report from the UN has harshly criticised the UK for a troubling rise in racist hate speech and violence, calling for urgent reforms and accountability. Here’s the full story.
Warning to the UK
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has issued a strong warning to the United Kingdom, urging immediate and comprehensive measures to combat rising racist hate speech and violence within the country.
Damning Report Released
The call came as part of a damning report released recently, which scrutinised the UK’s adherence to international conventions on racial discrimination, and found the country sorely wanting.
Concerns About Hate Speech
Though the UN did not name specific individuals or incidents, its report expressed deep concern about the persistence of hate speech, particularly when it comes from politicians, public figures, and the mainstream media.
“Obvious Concern” From UN
Committee Member Gün Kut stated, “There is an obvious concern about hate speech by prominent figures in the public.”
Formal Rejection Needed
The report called on the authorities to formally reject and condemn the spread of racist ideologies and act on the spread of hate speech in the country, which it blames for the climate of intolerance that has fuelled xenophobic attitudes in the UK.
Increase in Hate Crimes
The UN report highlighted a “sharp increase” in hate crimes and xenophobic violence, particularly those targeting ethnic minorities, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Riots Exacerbate Situation
The situation has been exacerbated by recent riots across England and Northern Ireland, which were marked by acts of violence against minority communities and were driven by misinformation and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Violent Incidents in Riots
These riots, which occurred in late July and early August, resulted in numerous violent incidents, including attacks on mosques and attempts to set fire to hotels housing asylum seekers.
Prime Minister Condemns Riots
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the riots as the actions of a “tiny, mindless minority” and denounced the involvement of far-right groups in inciting such violence.
Reassurance to Muslim Community
Speaking to the country’s Muslim community, Starmer added, “Let me be very clear: I will take every step that’s necessary to keep you safe.”
UN Concerned Despite Condemnation
Despite this condemnation and the Prime Minister’s reassurance to the Muslim community, the UN remains concerned about the recurring nature of these events and the role of hate speech in fueling them.
Politicians and Media Criticised
CERD’s report was particularly critical of the role that UK politicians, public figures, and media outlets have played in perpetuating racist hate speech. The committee pointed to the recent race riots as a glaring example of how misinformation and xenophobic rhetoric can incite violence.
Misinformation Fuels Violence
The riots, which were sparked by false claims which spread like wildfire online regarding the identity of the suspect in the tragic Southport murders, led to widespread violence against Muslim, Asian, and Black communities.
Call for Comprehensive Measures
The UN called on the UK government to implement “comprehensive measures” to curb hate speech, including thorough investigations into racist hate crimes, stricter penalties for perpetrators, and more effective remedies for victims and their families.
Accountability for Media Urged
The report also urged the UK to hold journalists and news organisations accountable for content that incites hatred or reinforces xenophobic attitudes.
Police Criticised for Discrimination
The report was also damning in its condemnation of police for their unfair treatment of ethnic minorities in the UK, with stop and search practices, including strip searches, which disproportionately affect black children and other ethnic minorities receiving particular condemnation.
Excessive Force by Police
Additionally, the UN further criticised the use of excessive and sometimes deadly force by police, noting that such incidents predominantly impact Black communities. The committee called for the establishment of an independent body to investigate allegations of racial profiling, excessive use of force, and other discriminatory practices within the police force.
Legislative Progress Acknowledged
The UN acknowledged that the UK has made some legislative progress in recent years, citing Scotland’s hate crime strategy and Wales’ action plan to eliminate racism as positive steps.
Efforts Still Insufficient
However, the committee noted that these efforts have been insufficient and recommended that the UK government strengthen measures to combat hate speech on social media platforms, encourage the reporting of hate crimes to police, and prosecute perpetrators more effectively.
Stark Reminder for the UK
The UN’s report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges that the UK faces in combating the genuine problems of racism, xenophobia, and religious intolerance to create a country which lives up to the ideal of equality.
Little Media Attention
Despite the stark warnings in the report, it has received very little attention in the media despite being published only days after the UK witnessed attempted pogroms as far-right riots swept the country.
Future Uncertain for the UK
It remains to be seen whether the stark warnings in the report will be listened to or whether the UK, like so many other countries around the world, will be tarnished by the spread of far-right ideologies and racial hatred for years to come.
The Great Escape: Wealthy Brits Flee to Dodge Labour Taxes
As the UK prepares for potential tax reforms, the wealthy flee in droves to avoid paying their fair share, sparking a contentious debate over tax avoidance and economic unfairness. Here’s the full story. The Great Escape: Wealthy Brits Flee to Dodge Labour Taxes
20 Signs Millennials Are Rejecting the UK’s Woke Culture
Are Millennials across the UK starting to question the pervasive ‘woke’ culture? As they navigate an increasingly complex social and economic landscape, many are seeking more practical, nuanced approaches. 20 Signs Millennials Are Rejecting the UK’s Woke Culture
New Era: Labour Enforces Strict Immigration Control With Deportations and Convictions
More than 40 criminals and migrants are sent back to Vietnam and Timor-Leste. It’s a victory as a UK-based criminal gang is sentenced. Here’s the story. New Era: Labour Enforces Strict Immigration Control With Deportations and Convictions
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dreamfinity Ltd.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.