UN Special Rapporteur Warns of Rising Islamophobia and Hate Speech in Germany
UN Special Rapporteur Warns of Rising Islamophobia and Hate Speech in Germany
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United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan has warned about increasing anti-Muslim hate and discriminatory rhetoric in Germany, raising concerns about the impact on civil liberties and minority rights.
Speaking during a visit to Berlin, Khan said Islamophobia and hostility toward migrants have grown within political and social discourse, adding that online platforms and social media have contributed to amplifying hateful narratives. Her remarks were reported by Turkish broadcaster TRT World and international media outlets, including Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Khan noted that many civil society activists, students and members of minority communities in Germany are increasingly reluctant to express their views publicly due to fears of harassment or hate-motivated attacks, both online and offline. She also raised concerns about the use of counter-terrorism legislation, warning that such laws risk being applied in ways that restrict activism supporting the rights of Muslim communities and other marginalized groups.
The UN expert stressed that international human rights law prohibits advocacy of hatred that incites discrimination, hostility or violence, and said governments must ensure that measures aimed at maintaining security do not undermine freedom of expression or civic participation.
Germany has recorded periodic increases in anti-Muslim incidents in recent years, according to monitoring organizations and official statistics, with authorities continuing to face calls from rights groups to strengthen protections for religious minorities while balancing national security policies.
