UN Chief Urges Action Against Online Hate Fuelling Violence
Online hate speech is increasingly contributing to violent physical attacks against religious minorities worldwide, according to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Speaking on the occasion of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, Guterres emphasized the need for governments, community leaders, and religious figures to denounce hate and incitement to violence. Highlighting the inalienable human right to freedom of belief, he lamented the fact that minority communities face discrimination, intolerance, and threats to their safety, including attacks on their places of worship and livelihoods. Guterres pointed out that hatred inflamed both online and offline is often the root cause of such violence.
To combat this alarming trend, Guterres underscored the significance of initiatives such as his Call to Action for Human Rights and the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech. He called on all governments to prevent and address acts of violence based on religion or belief. Additionally, he urged political, community, and religious leaders to vocally oppose hate speech and incitement to violence. Guterres also appealed to senior politicians, technology companies, and other stakeholders to support the UN’s efforts in developing a voluntary Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms. This code is expected to address the issue of hate speech online. Guterres expressed the need to strive for a more inclusive, respectful, and peaceful world where diversity is celebrated, honoring the victims of violence.
The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief was established in 2019 by the UN General Assembly to shed light on the widespread violations faced by vulnerable groups such as migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and minorities who are targeted based on their religion or belief. Independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council emphasized that it took nearly two decades before the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief was adopted. This year, as the world commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the experts stressed the importance of addressing the daily violence faced by individuals based on religion or belief, urgently and with greater determination.
Overall, the International Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the multitude of violence occurring regularly due to religion or belief. It calls for a comprehensive response to address the root causes of this violence while upholding human rights and condemning the use of religion or belief for purposes contradictory to the principles outlined in the UN Charter and other relevant instruments. Through collective efforts and a renewed commitment to stamp out hate speech, it is hoped that progress can be made towards a world that embraces diversity and respects the rights and beliefs of all individuals.
