The United Nations (UN) has announced a fresh strategy to address the growing issue of antisemitism, urging governments to enforce laws targeting hate crimes and discrimination.
Established after World War-II in response to the Holocaust, where six million Jews lost their lives, the UN has long aimed to fight antisemitism. However, the 193-member international body has faced criticism, including accusations of harboring antisemitic tendencies. Notably, Elise Stefanik, the incoming US ambassador to the UN nominated by President-elect Donald Trump, has labeled the organization a hub of antisemitism and vowed to challenge this.
The newly announced UN Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism prioritizes strengthening internal coordination across the organization. It also includes recommendations for governments and other entities to take action against antisemitism.
Miguel Moratinos, who leads the UN Alliance of Civilisations and spearheaded the plan, expressed deep concern over the spike in antisemitic acts both online and offline. He highlighted attacks on synagogues and other religious sites, especially after the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas and other militant groups in southern Israel. That incident, which marked the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“Our efforts, as well as those of national governments, have fallen short in addressing the root causes of antisemitism,” Moratinos admitted. He emphasized the need to involve emerging sectors in technology, science, and the economy to combat hate speech in both virtual and physical spaces while respecting human rights.
Eliminating antisemitism and all forms of prejudice is a top priority. The High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) announced a plan to tackle this issue, noting that despite the Holocaust ending 80 years ago, antisemitism still persists globally. The UNAOC has taken a collective stance to eradicate antisemitism, bigotry, hatred, and discrimination.
Key components of the UN's plan include forming a working group to monitor and assess the effectiveness of measures addressing antisemitism. The initiative also mandates training for UN staff to recognize and combat antisemitism and Holocaust denial.
Beyond the UN, the plan encourages governments and organizations to promptly condemn antisemitism, promote education on the Holocaust, and implement zero-tolerance policies against antisemitic behavior.
In a joint statement, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, the US special envoy for combating antisemitism, and US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield stressed the importance of translating the plan into action, saying, "The real challenge lies in its implementation."