A/HRC/43/28 the Working Group, in a country visit to Argentina, expressed concern about the human rights situation of people of African descent in the country who experienced racism and racial discrimination.19 32. The Human Rights Committee and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination made recommendations to several States in relation to guarantees on nondiscrimination to protect minority groups. For instance, both Committees recommended ensuring equal access to education, housing and health care for ethnic minorities, without discrimination.20 C. Minorities and hate speech 33. In May, the Secretary-General launched a global strategy on hate speech to address the disturbing groundswell of xenophobia, racism and intolerance, including rising antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and persecution of Christians. The impact of hate speech cuts across numerous existing United Nations areas of operations, including the fight against all forms of racism and discrimination and the protection of minorities. In order to address hate speech, the United Nations will implement actions at global and country level, and enhance internal cooperation among United Nations entities.21 34. The High Commissioner noted with concern the global rise in hatred directed at members of racial, ethnic and religious groups, as well as against foreigners and other minorities.22 On the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, the High Commissioner drew attention to the sharp increase in many forms of hatred, including the poison of antisemitism and other attacks on minority communities, including physical assault and harassment of children and adults, and broad campaigns of vilification against members of racial or ethnic minorities, and migrants – in some cases with the active backing of national leaders.23 35. On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the High Commissioner noted that the bedrock of movements based on ideas of racial superiority was the demonization of migrants and minorities. 24 In August, addressing the Security Council in an Arria-formula meeting on advancing the safety and security of persons belonging to religious minorities in armed conflicts, the High Commissioner noted that protecting minorities must begin before conflicts erupted. Disaggregated data by religion and ethnicity were also required.25 She also reiterated that the Rabat Plan of Action on the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence emphasized the role of politicians and religious leaders in preventing and speaking out against intolerance, discriminatory stereotyping and instances of hate speech.26 36. After her visit in April to Silicon Valley, United States of America, the High Commissioner urged States to adopt a smart mix of measures to regulate new technologies, and she provided examples of the dangerous impact new technologies could have on human rights, including those of minorities.27 37. At the Global Summit on Religion, Peace and Security in April, the High Commissioner highlighted the importance of protecting religious minority groups, in particular in situations in which they had been targeted by incitement to hatred and violence 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 See A/HRC/42/59/Add.2. CCPR/C/AGO/CO/2, para. 50; CERD/C/QAT/CO/17-21, para. 20; and CERD/C/NOR/CO/23-24, para. 20. See www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/hate-speech-strategy.shtml. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24662&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24123&LangID=E. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24381&LangID=E. See http://webtv.un.org/watch/open-arria-formula-meeting-advancing-the-safety-and-security-ofpersons-belonging to-religious-minorities-in-armed-conflict/6075852310001/. A/HRC/22/17/Add.4, appendix, para. 36. See www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24509&LangID=E. 7