The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for Countering Hate Speech is annually observed across the globe on 18th June as a vital reminder of the urgent need to address the global issue of hate speech.
- The day aims to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech.
- 18th June 2023 marked the observance of the 2nd International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
Background:
i. In July 2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/75/309 and proclaimed 18th June of every year as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
ii. The first-ever International Day for Countering Hate Speech was observed on 18th June 2022.
Origin:
i. The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is built on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech launched on 18 June 2019.
ii. This first UN system-wide initiative designed to tackle hate speech provides an essential framework for how the UN can support and complement the efforts of its member states to address hate speech.
Note: The UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech emphasises the transformative power of education as a tool to address this phenomenon’s root causes and drivers. It seeks to promote peaceful, inclusive societies for all, in line with the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hate Speech:
As per the UN, Hate speech is 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 (based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other identity factor).
Events of 2023:
i. On 19th June 2023, a High-level event was organised to mark the 2nd International Day for Countering Hate Speech for showcasing champions of good practices on tackling hate speech from across the world.
ii. The event was hosted by the UNs Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of
Morocco to the UNs at the United Nations Trusteeship Council Chamber in New York, the United States of America (USA).
Event at UNESCO:
i. On 20th June 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marked the International Day for Countering Hate Speech with a regional launch of UNESCO’s 2023 published guide “Addressing hate speech through education”, a guide for policy-makers.
ii. The guide is developed jointly by UNESCO and the UNs Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide (UN OSAPG) to explore educational responses to this phenomenon and give practical recommendations for strengthening education systems.
iii. The event is organised by UNESCO in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office and United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Kathmandu, Nepal.
About United Nations (UN):
Founded in– 1945
Secretary-General– António Guterres
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America (USA)
