We must work together to reign in the ‘toxic and destructive’ hate speech
Hate speech promotes discrimination and stigmatization and is mostly targeted at women, refugees and migrants, and minorities. If left unchecked, it can even harm peace and development, as it gives rise to conflicts and tensions, numerous human rights violations.
To reverse the rising tide of hate, the United Nations is celebrating the International Day for the Elimination of Hate Speech by calling on everyone to working together to build a few hands and cities lifeand for effective action to end the poisoning and destruction of the common.
Answers must protect free speech
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also warned that reckless and reckless responses to hate speech – including blanket restrictions and internet shutdowns – could also violate human rights by restricting freedom of speech and expression.
In the same way, the UN human rights worker, Volker Türk, said that the proliferation of laws related to hate speech being used against journalists and human rights defenders. almost as viral as the spread of hate speech itself.
In his message on the Day, he emphasized that the broad laws – which authorize States to explain matters they are uncomfortable with and to threaten or detain those who question Government policy or criticize authorities – violate the right and risk serious public debate.
“Instead of criminalizing protected speech, we need States and institutions to take urgent steps to address incitement to hatred and violence” said Mr. Türk.
‘Take things that are cut by hate’
But we are powerless in the face of hate speech, Mr. Guterres said, stressing that “we can and must raise awareness about its dangersand work to prevent and destroy it in all its ways.”
He referred to the United Nations Framework and Program of Action on Hate Speech as the Organization’s comprehensive framework for addressing the causes and effects of hate speech, and noted that international bodies and organizations around the world are addressing hate speech. through the implementation of local action plans, based on this strategy.
“The World Organization is consulting governments, technology companies and others on a voluntary code of conduct for information integrity on digital platforms, aimed at reducing the spread of mis- and disinformation and hate speech, while protecting freedom of expression,” he added.
Mr. Türk, the UN High Representative for Human Rights, calls for many actions – from education initiatives and investment in digital literacy programs to listen to the most effective through hate speech and stop the companies to their human rights obligations.
“More still needs to be done to combat it mega-spreaders – workers and influencers who have a big impact and whose examples inspire thousands of others,” said Mr. Türk. “We must build networks and take things that can cut through the hatred.”
