UN calls Paraguayan lawmaker's 'racist' Mbappe remarks 'despicable'

The United Nations has condemned "despicable" and "racist and dehumanizing" remarks made by Paraguayan lawmaker Celeste Amarilla about French football star Kylian Mbappe. Amarilla, a member of the main opposition Liberal Party, referred to the footballer as a "colonized Cameroonian who has really pretended to be French, embittered, nouveau riche, arrogant and ugly."

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The racist and dehumanising remarks against French footballer Kylian Mbappe by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla are despicable and, regrettably, not isolated.

Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, stated that such reports of racist incidents during the FIFA World Cup reflect a broader issue across sports. He emphasized that public officials bear a heightened responsibility to oppose racism, discrimination, and hate speech.

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Public officials have a heightened responsibility to stand against racism, discrimination and hate speech in their discourse.

The UN called on states and sports organizations to proactively prevent racism and discrimination, ensuring effective accountability mechanisms are in place. Social media companies were also reminded of their responsibility to address racial discrimination and xenophobic abuse on their platforms.

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not worthy of her position

Mbappe himself labeled Amarilla "not worthy of her position," and FIFA president Gianni Infantino unequivocally condemned the racist abuse directed at the player. Paraguay's foreign ministry also condemned Amarilla's remarks, stating they contradicted principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.

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I unequivocally condemn the racist abuse directed at the Real Madrid forward.