Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of R2P.

While racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance may develop over a long period, an escalation into mass atrocities can happen swiftly. The UN Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes lists marginalisation, exclusion, hate speech, and hate crimes as potential risk factors, which may increase a country's vulnerability to genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes or ethnic cleansing.

History teaches that no society is immune to discrimination, and the rise in openly racist hate speech in recent years, including by heads of state and government, is a stark reminder that political rhetoric may quickly turn into incitement to violence. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a shocking increase in racist language and violence, often accompanied by stereotyping, stigmatisation and the use of derogatory language, especially against vulnerable groups or persons at risk.

Atrocity prevention is a continuous process that requires constant engagement and dialogue with all actors. It includes an unwavering commitment to fighting racism at every level. This includes strengthening legislative and institutional frameworks, eliminating racial discrimination in political and public offices, and investigating, condemning, and sanctioning when appropriate, cases of racist or discriminatory behaviour or hate speech.

It is our responsibility to recognise early warning signs and react swiftly and decisively to protect populations at risk, but also to confront deeply entrenched racism.

Thank you.

Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect - Geneva

Co-Chairs

1. Costa Rica
2. Luxembourg

African States

3. Botswana
4. Côte d’Ivoire
5. Ghana
6. Liberia
7. Mali
8. Morocco
9. Mozambique
10. Nigeria
11. Rwanda
12. Senegal
13. Sierra Leone
14. South Sudan
15. Tanzania

Asia-Pacific States

16. Bangladesh
17. Japan
18. Marshall Islands
19. Qatar
20. Republic of Korea
21. Singapore

Eastern European States

22. Bosnia and Herzegovina
23. Bulgaria
24. Croatia
25. Czech Republic
26. Hungary
27. Romania
28. Slovakia
29. Slovenia

Latin American and Caribbean States

30. Argentina
31. Chile
32. Guatemala
33. Mexico
34. Panama
35. Paraguay
36. Peru
37. Uruguay

Western European and other States

38. Australia
39. Belgium
40. Canada
41. Denmark
42. Finland
43. France
44. Germany
45. Ireland
46. Italy
47. Liechtenstein
48. Netherlands
49. New Zealand
50. Norway
51. Portugal
52. Spain
53. Sweden
54. Switzerland
55. United Kingdom
56. United States of America

Others

57. European Union