Statement by H.E. Mr. Javad Amin-Mansour Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative the Islamic Republic of Iran “Debate on Countering Nationalist Populism” 40th Session of the Human Rights Council (15 March, 2019 – Geneva) *********** بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم Mr. President; States are responsible to protect and promote human rights but the rise of populism is challenging this responsibility and pose serious risks to human rights. Populists pretend to represent their constituencies but in fact they undermine human rights by fuelling political controversies and divides, by polarizing societies, by demonizing minorities and scapegoating refugees. It manifest itself by rising xenophobic sentiments, racism, Islamophobia, and misogyny. Nationalist populist ideologies, especially if coupled with State’ acquiescence, lead to aggravating racism, intolerance, racial discrimination and exclusion. What happened today, during which at least 49 innocent Muslims were killed in two Mosques in New Zealand, was just an example of the spread of hatred and Islamophobia. The rise of far-right populist politics and extremist movements has strengthened the narrative of ‘us’ against ‘them’, which has led to a material increase in xenophobia, hate speech, negative stereotyping and discrimination on the basis of race, religion, ethnic or social origin Populists have capitalized on popular apprehension about terrorism to garner support for policies that are blatantly discriminatory and alienating by treating “others” as perceived or actual danger to national identity and classifying them as outsiders or even outcasts. The current political and social climate in some European countries and in North America are very alarming since several political leaders are waving the same xenophobic flag and spreading the same racist message of “We First”. If left unchecked, this epidemic disease could pose a serious threat to the cause of human right we all share and value. Stereotyping migrants, vilifying refugees, attacking a judge for his Mexican ancestry, mocking a journalist with disabilities, dismissing multiple evidence based allegations of sexual assault, are just some instances of this dreadful trend.  Last but not least, the international human rights instruments including ICERD and ICCPR impose strong limitations on the propagation of racist and xenophobic expression, and outlaw the advocacy of national or racial prejudice that amounts to incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.  There is a need to formulate additional legally binding instruments to cover all manifestations of racism. While legal response involving affirmative punitive action is of key importance, a ‘multilayered approach’ which promotes human rights and tolerance, encourages dialogue and understanding and persuades national authorities, security officials and media to prevent acts of incitement to hatred is necessary as well. I thank you