17/06/2026 Equality and Non-Discrimination
On the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June), Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on Combating Racism and Intolerance, made the following statement:
“Hate speech remains a serious threat to equality, inclusion and, ultimately, to democracy itself. It fosters prejudice, exclusion and hostility and undermines the equal participation of all individuals in public and political life. No democratic society can thrive when its individual members or communities are silenced, intimidated or marginalised.
This international day, promoted by the United Nations system, reminds us of the importance of collective action. Countering the scourge of hate speech requires new and stronger partnerships involving those most affected by it, and between civil society, public authorities and democratic institutions. Only by working together can we build resilient societies founded on respect for human dignity, equality and human rights.
Political leaders and political parties bear a particular responsibility. I call upon them to form alliances against hate speech and to commit publicly and firmly to reject any recourse to stigmatising and derogatory language targeting vulnerable individuals and groups.
I welcome the call by the UN General Assembly to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue, tolerance, understanding and co-operation as essential tools to counter hate speech. This approach is fully in line with the work of the Parliamentary Assembly and with our commitments through the No Hate Parliamentary Alliance, which I encourage all parliamentarians to support.”