The power of partnerships in countering hate speech
Hate speech is in direct conflict with fundamental human rights and is a threat to a socially inclusive, peaceful and cohesive society.
The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech defines it as:
“any kind of communication in speech, writing or behaviour, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other identity factor.”
Hate speech is founded on and fed by bias, discrimination and intolerance. It can result in acts of violence against individuals or groups, including acts of terror and crimes against humanity.
The growth of digital media and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has made it possible for hate speech and harmful narratives to be spread and amplified through the nature of the algorithms.
The United Nations, in response to the proliferation of hate speech, established this Day to promote strategies to identify, respond to and prevent it.
The United Nations recognises that this is everyone’s responsibility and that users of digital technology need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognise, reject and counter hate speech.
The importance of education in addressing and countering hate speech cannot be overstated. Teachers build the knowledge, skills and values that assist students to become respectful and responsible citizens who value our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity. In October 2021, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said:
“Educators are our first line of defence in preventing hate speech from taking hold. Education can build young people’s critical thinking skills so they can tell facts from fiction and real news from fake news.”
Some things that you can do include:
- Support the target of hate speech
- Support critical thinking and media literacy: Hate speech relies on “fake news.”
Encourage people to think critically and pause before they share. - Use counter-speech: Challenge hateful narratives with facts and express positive narratives.
- Do something kind for another person.
- Check your own bias: Make sure you aren’t sharing content that perpetuates harmful stereotypes or racist and dehumanising tropes.
- Report: Use the “Report” function on social media platforms to flag hate speech.
Those espousing hate seek to divide us. Our common humanity and respect for each other must continue to unite us in a powerful partnership that addresses and counters hate speech.
