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CoE calls for firm action against hate crime

Xinhua, July 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Council of Europe (CoE) Thursday called for a "robust response" to hate-driven crime.

Speaking on the eve of the European Day for the Victims of Hate Crime, CoE Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland said hate crime "cannot be tolerated."

"The CoE is more determined than ever to respond, to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe," he added.

July 22 was chosen as European Day for the Victims of Hate Crime because on that date five years ago Anders Breivik, a Norwegian far-right extremist, massacred 77 people in Oslo and on the island of Utoya.

"Five years after Oslo and Utoya, hate-driven violence remains a challenge for European society and governments today," said Jagland, pointing to recent tragic events in France, Germany, Belgium and elsewhere in Europe.

Also on Thursday, Milena Santerini, general rapporteur on combating racism and intolerance for the CoE's Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), called for European nations to join forces against hate crime.

"In a world which faces increasing hate and violence, we need to stay strong and true to our values," the Italian member of parliament said, "Hate crime is the ultimate and most severe manifestation of the hatred and intolerance permeating our society, often expressing itself in the form of hate speech, on-line and elsewhere."

"It is the duty of public authorities to ensure that up-to-date legislation tackles the incitement and propagation of hate, which paves the way to violent crime," Santerini continued, "Attention should also be paid to the victims, who need justice, protection and assistance."

Both Jagland and Santerini called on European citizens and organizations to join the CoE's "No Hate Speech" movement launched in 2013. On June 20 this year, PACE members launched their own movement -- #NoHateNoFear -- with the aim of countering ideologies that breed terrorism and hate crime. Endit