UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 60th Regular Session
Item 9 - General Debate.
Joint Statement on Combating Antisemitism
01 Octobre 2025
Mr. President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Austria, Czechia and my own country, Slovakia, with the support of a cross-regional group of countries.
Recently, we have witnessed an alarming rise in antisemitism around the world. Reports and research reveal that antisemitism has increased to levels not seen for decades.
Synagogues, cemeteries, memorials, community centers, museums, businesses and homes have been targeted and vandalized. People have been assaulted and even murdered. Many Jewish individuals are now concerned for their safety and well-being in the countries and cities they call home.
Let us reiterate that international developments or political issues, including those in Israel or elsewhere in the Middle East, never justify antisemitism.
We must protect Jews from discrimination and violence - everybody has a right to a life free from harassment and fear. Stigmatizing people based on their identity and attacking individuals or communities only spreads hatred and deepen division.
States have the primary obligation to promote and protect human rights for all. At the same time, we recognize the valuable role and contribution of other stakeholders, including a free and pluralistic civil society.
We recall that antisemitism as well as racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance and hatred pose a serious threat to human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Discrimination and violence against one religious community consequently affect others as well. Therefore, we have to prioritize interfaith dialogue and peer-to-peer learning to build bridges among different communities.
Today we pledge to empower those who promote peace, dialogue, equality, justice and human dignity. We welcome the launch of the United Nations Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism[1]. We call on all relevant actors to respond to antisemitism and actively dismantle the harmful stereotypes that perpetuate it.
I thank you.