UN Condemns Racist Comments by Paraguayan Senator
The United Nations Human Rights office has strongly condemned Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla for making racist and dehumanising remarks about French footballer Kylian Mbappe following a FIFA World Cup 2026 match. The UN called the comments part of a broader issue of racism in football and sports.
Details of the Controversial Statements
After France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16, Senator Amarilla took to social media to insult Mbappe, calling him a "colonised Cameroonian" and accusing him of "pretending hard to be French." She also described him as "resentful, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly." Amarilla further claimed that France "won by a fluke" and that Mbappe was "nervous and scared to death throughout the match."
UN Human Rights Spokesperson's Response
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights office, issued a statement calling the remarks "racist and dehumanising" and "despicable." He emphasised that such incidents are not isolated and reflect a "wider phenomenon across football and sports." The spokesperson urged public officials, governments, sports organisations, and social media platforms to take stronger measures against racism, discrimination, and hate speech, and to ensure effective accountability mechanisms are in place.
Call for Accountability and Action
Al-Kheetan stressed that "public officials have a heightened responsibility to stand against racism, discrimination and hate speech." He added that states and sports organisations must actively prevent acts of racism and ensure independent accountability mechanisms. Social media companies also have a responsibility to prevent racial discrimination and xenophobic abuse on their platforms, in line with international human rights standards.
UN Human Rights Social Media Post
In a post on X, the UN Human Rights office stated: "The power of sport must be used to promote equality, dignity & respect, not hatred or dehumanisation. Language that dehumanises people because of their race or ethnic origin has no place in sport or public discourse."
Mbappe's Response to the Senator
Kylian Mbappe responded directly to Senator Amarilla on X, calling her "a despicable woman" and "unworthy" of her position. He wrote: "You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition. Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup."
Condemnation from French President and FIFA President
French President Emmanuel Macron and FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned Senator Amarilla's remarks, adding to the international outcry against the comments.
