Summary

The report identifies violence, discrimination and expressions of hostility motivated by antisemitism as a serious obstacle to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief. The Special Rapporteur stresses that antisemitism, if left unchecked by Governments, poses risks not only to Jews, but also to members of other minority communities. The Special Rapporteur urges States to adopt a human-rights based approach in combating antisemitism, as should be done in combating all forms of religious intolerance.

Additional information

• Press release of the report: Antisemitism is toxic to democracy and must be addressed, says expert – English | Chinese
• Special Rapporteur’s statement to the General Assembly
• Video presentation of the report to the 24th meeting of the 74th session of the General Assembly
• UN News Interview: Antisemitism the ‘canary in the coalmine of global hatred’, UN expert
• 18 Oct 2019 - A side event on “Addressing and Preventing Antisemitism through Education” co-organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and UNESCO
• 26 Jun 2019 - Statement by Mr. Ahmed Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, at the General Assembly Informal meeting of the plenary on “Combating Anti-Semitism and Other Forms of Racism and Hate – The Challenges of Teaching Tolerance and Respect in the Digital Age“.