On 30 September 2026, the Global Cities Hub (GCH) participated in a UN Human Rights Council event focusing on the critical role of local and regional governments (LRGs) in countering anti-migrant narratives. Co-organized by the Regional Government of Catalonia and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), with support from Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and other partners, the event brought together diverse stakeholders to address the rising tide of hate speech and disinformation targeting migrants.
All speakers emphasized that hate speech and disinformation, whether spread offline or increasingly online, undermine social cohesion and dehumanize people on the move. Addressing these harmful narratives requires action at all levels of governance, as it is a shared responsibility. LRGs, being the level of government closest to, and usually also the most trusted by citizens, are uniquely positioned to foster inclusive communities and counteract discrimination.
Migration is neither inherently good nor bad; it is a fact of life that must be managed in ways that promote social cohesion. Representatives from Catalonia, the cities of Bristol/UK, and Sherbrooke/Canada, therefore highlighted concrete measures to tackle anti-migration narratives. These include monitoring and early detection of hate speech, strengthening local capacities to identify such rhetoric, investing in evidence collection, fact-checking initiatives, and developing alternative narratives. Crucially, they stressed the importance of community engagement. They also acknowledged that their diversity is a strength and affirmed that while States decide who enters the territory, cities and regions are where integration actually takes place.
The Global Cities Hub (GCH) placed particular emphasis on the foundational role of trust. Referencing the Disinformation in the City Response Playbook developed by the German Marshall Fund and the University of Melbourne, the GCH underscored that LRGs must build social resilience before a crisis occurs. This resilience relies heavily on trust, which functions as an infrastructure built upon trusted institutions, trusted people, and trusted information. To achieve this, local authorities must invest significantly in understanding the local ecosystem of trust and mapping key stakeholders before crises emerge.
The GCH’s participation in this event underscores the urgent need to strengthen partnerships between LRGs, States, international organizations and civil society. Combating hate speech demands a proactive approach centred on prevention and trust-building rather than reactive corrections of misinformation. The continued engagement of LRGs is essential to transform diversity into a tangible asset and ensure societies remain resilient and inclusive in the face of global migration challenges. Ultimately, fostering trust within communities is not just a communication strategy but a fundamental pillar of effective local governance and human rights protection.
📸 UN Photo | Jess Hoffman
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