International Day against Hate Speech--Surprising Facts about countering Hate Speech

Human Right Activism 

HATE SPEECH IS ON THE RISE 

Hate speech is on the rise around the world, with the ability to inspire violence, weaken societal cohesiveness and tolerance, and injure individuals who are affected psychologically, emotionally, and physically.

Hate speech has an impact not just on the persons and groups attacked, but also on society as a whole. Combating Hate speech is the inevitable component of promoting human rights Activism.

Hatred's devastation is unfortunately nothing new. However, new communication technologies have expanded its scope and impact, to the point where hate speech has become one of the most common tools for spreading divisive language and beliefs on a global scale. Hate speech, if allowed uncontrolled, can really hinder peace and development by laying the groundwork for conflicts and tensions, as well as widespread human rights violations.

Human Rights Activism 

Background

In July 2021, the United Nations General Assembly addressed worldwide concerns about "the exponential expansion and multiplication of hate speech" and adopted a resolution aimed at "supporting inter-religious and intercultural discussion and tolerance in the fight against hate speech."

The resolution acknowledges the importance of combating discrimination, xenophobia, and hate speech, and calls on all relevant actors, including States, to step up their efforts to address these issues in accordance with international human rights law.

The resolution established 18 June as the inaugural International Day for Countering Hate Speech, which will be observed in 2022.

The United Nations asks countries, international organizations, civil society organizations, and individuals to hold activities and projects to promote ways to recognize, address, and counter hate speech to commemorate the Day. The President of the United Nations General Assembly has called an informal High-Level Meeting to commemorate the inaugural International Day, which will be held at the General Assembly Hall in New York City on Monday, June 20, 2022, at 10 a.m. EDT.

We all have a moral obligation to speak out strongly against hate speech and play a critical role in combating this scourge, whether as the Member States, the private sector, the media and internet corporations, faith leaders, educators, actors of civil society, those affected by hate speech, youth, or simply as individuals.

Countering Hate Speech 

Origin

Hate speech not only undermines the UN Charter's key principles and objectives, such as respect for human dignity, equality, and peace, but it also denies the Organization's core values.

The Organization's objective is to advance human rights and combat hate, and the UN has a responsibility to confront the worldwide issue of hate speech at every turn.

Hate speech has an influence on a variety of UN priorities, including human rights protection and the prevention of atrocity crimes, as well as peacekeeping, gender equality, and support for children and youth.

The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which was launched on June 18, 2019, is a foundation for the International Day of Countering Hate Speech. This is the first UN system-wide campaign to combat hate speech, and it lays out a critical framework for how the UN may assist and complement states' efforts.

The plan highlights the importance of combating hate in a holistic manner while maintaining complete respect for freedom of opinion and speech while collaborating with essential stakeholders such as civil society organizations, media outlets, technology companies, and social media platforms.

International Day of Countering Hate Speech 

Remarks of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. 

International Day for countering Hate Speech