GENEVA – Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on states to protect minority rights and ensure fair representation during the 17th session of the UN Human Rights Council’s Forum on Minority Issues, held on November 28-29 in Geneva.
“Minorities are a key part of the rich kaleidoscope that makes up our world,” Türk emphasized in his address, urging governments to safeguard minority groups’ human rights and provide opportunities for their participation in public spaces and decision-making processes.
This year’s forum, themed “Representation and Self-Representation of Minorities in Public Spaces and Discourses,” focuses on enhancing the visibility and inclusion of minority communities in public life.
Social Media and Hate Speech
Türk also underscored the role of social media platforms in combating hate speech and its real-world consequences. “Social media platforms must step up! They must combat hate speech online, recognizing that these harms don’t stop there—they extend into the physical world,” he said, stressing that protecting minority rights is an essential aspect of upholding human rights universally.
A Platform for Advocacy
The forum provides an opportunity for dialogue among state representatives, civil society, and minority groups to address the challenges minorities face and promote solutions for equitable inclusion.
As the discussions progress, Türk’s appeal for global action serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect minority communities from marginalization and ensure their voices are heard.