UN chief urges faith leaders to fight hate speech amid pandemic
United Nations Secretary Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged religious leaders to combat the rise in hate speech seen during the coronavirus crisis. "We continue to see conflicts rage in many places - along with a rise in ethno-nationalism, stigma and hate speech targeting vulnerable communities and exacerbating suffering," Guterres told a UN video conference on the role of faith leaders in tackling the consequences of the pandemic.
- World
- Agencies and A News
- Published Date: 06:45 | 12 May 2020
- Modified Date: 06:55 | 12 May 2020
The United Nations secretary-general is urging religious leaders to challenge "inaccurate and harmful messages" fueling rising ethno-nationalism, hate speech and conflict as the coronavirus pandemic circles the globe.
Antonio Guterres warned "extremists and radical groups are seeking to exploit eroding trust in leadership and feed on people's vulnerability to serve their own ends."
He says the role of faith leaders in addressing the challenges of COVID-19 can play "a pivotal role."
The U.N. chief cites an "alarming increase in violence against women and girls" as the pandemic spreads. Guterres appealed to religious leaders "to categorically condemn such acts and support shared principles of partnership, equality, respect and compassion."
He also called on the leaders to join the fight against misinformation about COVID-19.