UN Special Rapporteur Mutuma Ruteere called [press release] on member states Tuesday to do more to prevent racism, xenophobia and discrimination against migrants and Muslims. Ruteere stated that counterterrorism measures aid in influencing fear and discrimination against those of Middle Eastern ethnic origin. He also said that he has witnessed “the proliferation of anti-Muslim rhetoric” in the aftermath of terrorist attacks. At the same time, Ruteere said, pro-hate groups targeting migrants and Muslims pose barriers to human rights. Another factor the expert urged governments to be vigilant against is the tactics used by politicians to capitalize on fear of voters. Ruteere said that constituents are concerned that migrants will occupy jobs, participate in crime and endanger national identity. The expert asked members to recognize hateful sentiments for what they are and to act to prevent violence and discrimination against marginalized populations.

International agencies have recently warned against the growing trend of xenophobia. In June a US federal court ruled against [JURIST report] the majority of President Donald Trump’s revised executive order limiting travel from six Muslim-majority countries. A surge in populist leaders in Europe and the US threatens human rights [JURIST report] while inviting autocratic abuse in other nations, according to the 2017 World Report released by Human Rights Watch in January. In September 2016 a report compiled by California State University, San Bernardino found an increase in hate crimes [JURIST report] in 2015, particularly among Muslims and Arab-Americans.