26/06/2015 Session
PACE has expressed its concern over the rising tide of racism, xenophobia and intolerance for some years in Europe, particularly the appearance of a “race-less racism” targeting certain groups and individuals. It is especially concerned at the emergence of overtly anti-migrant and populist political parties and movements in several member states, and at the growing dissemination of hate speech in the political sphere and on the Internet.
Basing its position on the report by Milena Santerini (Italy, SOC), the Assembly asked in a resolution “that the legal framework on hate speech and includes the broadest possible range of grounds of discrimination”, including “race”, colour, ethnicity, language, religion, disability, migrant status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.
The resolution also stresses that groups which are victims of racism should co-operate with the public authorities for the implementation of policies to counter discrimination.
Among the other tangible measures requested by the Assembly are the introduction into the rules of procedure of national parliaments and political parties of rules banning racist remarks and hate speech and providing for penalties.
According to the adopted text, Internet service providers and social networks should adopt guidelines to prevent the propagation of racist remarks and hate speech, and co-operation between these parties and the authorities should be reinforced so that the authors of such remarks can be prosecuted. PACE also encouraged the activity of on-line moderators and mediators.