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...
20/03/2026 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
On the eve of the International Day for the Eradication of Racial Discrimination (21 March), Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance, made the following statement: The Sharpeville Massacre of 21 March 1960, in apartheid South Africa, saw peaceful...
13/03/2026 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
Ahead of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia (15 March), Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur for combating racism and intolerance, made the following statement: “Prejudice against Muslim people remains a persistent challenge in our societies. Islamophobia often...
28/01/2026 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
On the occasion of the International Day of Commemoration of the Victims of the Holocaust, Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance, made the following statement: “Today – and always – we must reaffirm the universal value of memory, both as a...
17/06/2025 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
Statement by Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on Combating Racism and Intolerance, on the eve of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June): “In a climate marked by geopolitical tension, conflict and rising polarisation within society, hate speech is...
07/04/2025 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
On the eve of International Roma Day (8 April), Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance, made the following statement: “On International Roma Day, we honour the culture, language and history of Roma people, and their contribution to European...
20/03/2025 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance made the following statement on the occasion of the International day for the elimination of racial discrimination (21 March): On this International Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial...
14/03/2025 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on Combating Racism and Intolerance, has made the following statement to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia (15 March 2025): “On this day we not only commemorate the victims of the tragic mass shootings in Christchurch, New...
27/01/2025 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
Francesco Verducci (Italy, SOC), the General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), made the following statement to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, 27 January 2025: “Today, as we commemorate once again the anniversary of the...
01/08/2024 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
Fourat Ben Chikha (Belgium, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance, made the following statement on the eve of the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day: “This year’s commemoration of European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day marks the 80th anniversary of that tragic night of...
18/06/2024 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
“In July 2021 the UN General Assembly proclaimed 18 June as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech and called on all relevant actors to increase their efforts to oppose hate speech, in line with international human rights law and principles,” said Fourat Ben Chikha (Belgium, SOC), PACE...
20/03/2024 | Equality and Non-Discrimination
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination PACE Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination on combating racism and intolerance made the following statement: “The International day for the elimination of racial discrimination is an opportunity to...