How can local and regional governments counter anti-migrant rhetoric and strengthen social cohesion? These questions were explored at a side event during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, organised by the Regional Government of Catalonia and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on 30 September 2026.
The event was co-sponsored by Ecuador, Mexico, the Republic of Korea and Spain, alongside the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities Programme, the Civil Society Action Committee, the Global Cities Hub, and United Cities and Local Governments.
Participants examined the drivers of hate speech and anti-migrant narratives, including political polarisation and the impact of digital technologies on public discourse. They also discussed innovative local and regional policies, public campaigns and practical tools to promote social cohesion, as well as the challenges of coordinating responses across different levels of administration.
Roukayatou Abdoulaye, Liaison Officer and Immigration Portfolio Manager for the City of Sherbrooke, Canada, brought a local-government and Intercultural Cities Programme perspective to the discussion. Her contribution highlighted how local authorities can respond to harmful narratives through policies and initiatives rooted in their communities. The Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities Programme supports this work by connecting cities, facilitating the exchange of experience and helping local authorities develop and strengthen intercultural approaches.
The discussion also featured H.E. Marcos Gómez Martínez, Permanent Representative of Spain to the UN in Geneva; H.E. Fernando Israel Espinosa Olivera, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the UN in Geneva; David Moya, Director General for Migration of the Regional Government of Catalonia; Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council; Conleth Burns, Associate Director at More in Common; Anh Thu Duong, Co-Director of Policy and Partnership at the Global Cities Hub; and Ana Calvete, Head of Research at United Cities and Local Governments.
The exchange underlined the importance of sustained cooperation among local and regional governments, states, the UN system, civil society and other stakeholders to counter harmful narratives and build more inclusive communities.
