WJC Applauds Historic Joint UNHRC Statement By 52 Countries Condemning Antisemitism

GENEVA – The World Jewish Congress (WJC) has formally welcomed a landmark statement delivered at the United Nations Human Rights Council by a coalition of 52 countries denouncing the global surge in antisemitism and calling for stronger international efforts to combat anti-Jewish hate. The statement, led by Slovakia, Czechia, and Austria, was read in Geneva by Dušan Matulay, Slovakia’s ambassador, and drafted with key input from the WJC and Jewish advocacy partners.

Ambassador Matulay stressed the increasing threat to Jewish safety worldwide, referencing recent violent attacks on synagogues and Jewish homes, desecration of memorials and cemeteries, and persistent acts of intimidation, harassment, and murder targeting Jewish communities. “Recently, we have witnessed an alarming rise in antisemitism around the world,” he stated, directly addressing the Council. He reminded world leaders that international political conflicts, including those in Israel and the Middle East, can never justify antisemitism or hate against Jews.

The statement outlined the fundamental duty of states to protect all minorities from discrimination and violence and welcomed the launch of the UN Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism, a new initiative developed with the collaboration of Jewish organizations, including the WJC. Its goals include regular evaluation of government responses, the establishment of a UN Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group, proactive governmental and civil society engagement, and widespread education initiatives to counter stereotypes, promote understanding, and restore human dignity.

The WJC, led by President Ronald S. Lauder, expressed deep appreciation for the historic scope and unified voice represented in this coalition. “We are grateful to Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, and the many nations that support this undertaking. It sends a powerful signal to Jewish communities worldwide: you are not alone, and the world is determined to confront today’s antisemitic violence, hate, and intimidation,” Lauder said.

This year’s statement is the fifth such initiative coordinated by WJC at the Human Rights Council, continuing the tradition established in 2021 by Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and subsequent declarations by Czech and Slovak leaders in October 2023 and 2024. The signatories include a wide cross-section of European, American, Asian, and Pacific states, reflecting a broad international consensus on the urgency of tackling antisemitism.

The UN’s Action Plan will introduce quarterly monitoring, increased coordination with Jewish and human rights groups, and a review of policies impacting the safety and well-being of Jewish individuals and institutions. Jewish organizations and governments are called on to “dismantle harmful stereotypes and foster dialogue and human dignity,” as emphasized in the joint declaration.

The WJC and partnering Jewish organizations remain active in global advocacy, welcoming this rare demonstration of unity and pledging further engagement with the UN to ensure concrete progress on countering antisemitism in all its forms.

This article is based on verified information from the World Jewish Congress, UN Human Rights Council proceedings, the UN Action Plan on Antisemitism, and public statements by diplomats and Jewish leaders.