The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for Countering Hate Speech is annually observed across the globe on 18 June to highlight and address global concerns over the rapid spread of hate speech worldwide.
The day aims to promote inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech.
- 18 June 2024 marks the observance of the 3rd International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
- The theme of International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2024 is “The Power of Youth for Countering and Addressing Hate Speech”.
Significance of 2024 Observance:
i.18 June 2024 also coincides with the 5th anniversary of the launch of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech (launched on 18 June 2019).
ii.The 2024 observance emphasised engaging youth leaders with the resources and platforms to foster inclusive societies as youth are both targets and influential voices against hate speech both online and offline.
iii.1.2 billion young people globally can raise awareness and counter hateful narratives.
Background:
i.On 21 July 2021, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/75/309, proclaiming 18 June of every year as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, building on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.
ii.The 1st ever International Day for Countering Hate Speech was observed on 18 June 2022.
iii.The resolution acknowledges the need to combat discrimination, xenophobia, and hate speech. It urges all relevant actors, including States, to intensify efforts to address hate speech, in line with international human rights law.
Points to note:
i.This first UN system-wide initiative provides a framework for the UN to support States’ efforts to address hate speech nationally and globally.
ii.The two-fold objectives of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech are:
- To enhance the UN efforts to address root causes and drivers of hate speech; and
- To enable effective UN responses to the impact of hate speech on societies.
Note: The Strategy uses education as a tool for addressing and countering hate speech.
What is Hate Speech?
According to the UN, hate speech refers to any communication in speech, writing, or behaviour that attacks or uses discriminatory language towards a person or group based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender, or other identity factors.
- This communication fosters intolerance and hatred, which can be demeaning and divisive.
2024 Event:
On 18th June 2024, the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UN and the UN Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide organised a high-level event “Investing in the power of youth for countering and addressing hate speech” to mark the 3rd International Day for Countering Hate Speech in New York, the United States of America (USA).
- The opening remarks of the event was delivered by the Dennis Francis, the President of UNGA.
