Maina Kiai and two other UN Independent Experts welcomed today the recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights that signaled clearly that associations which convey radical extreme-right messages have no place in democratic societies. On 9 July 2013, the European Court of Human Rights found in Vona vs. Hungary that expressions of racial division calling for race-based actions with intimidating effects on members of racial minorities exceed the scope of protection under the European Convention on Human Rights. “We praise the decision of the European Court of Human Rights as it represents a much needed call for action for the defence of the rights and dignity of persons belonging to minorities, Roma people in the present case,” said the UN Independent Expert on minority issues, Ms. Rita Izsák. “The Court’s decision is clear: as article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides that any statements that incite or advocate racial hatred are prohibited and should attract judicial censure,” added the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, Mr. Mutuma Ruteere. In this connection, the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, Mr. Maina Kiai, reminded that in general the right to freedom of association should be enjoyed... Continue reading →
