'No acceptable level of hate speech,' says UN chief, urging its 'complete' eradication

HAMILTON, Canada

The UN chief on Tuesday warned of the dangers of toxic hate speech, saying any level of it is unacceptable and urging its complete elimination.

"Hate speech is a marker of discrimination, abuse, violence, conflict, and even crimes against humanity. We have seen this play out from Nazi Germany to Rwanda, Bosnia and beyond. There is no acceptable level of hate speech; we must all work to eradicate it completely," said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a written statement marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.

Guterres highlighted the diverse groups that hate speech is aimed at, including those based on race, ethnicity, religion, belief, or political affiliation.

Stressing the recent increase in antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric both online and in public comments by influential figures, Guterres said hate speech is "massively amplified by the power of digital platforms and tools that enable it to spread across borders and cultures."

Stressing states’ legal duties, Guterres said: "States have an obligation under international law to prevent and combat incitement to hatred and to promote diversity, mutual understanding and solidarity. They must step up and implement these commitments, while ensuring that the measures they take preserve freedom of speech and protect minorities and other communities."

He emphasized the significant impact of hate speech on young people, particularly online, and called for their inclusion in the solution.

"Governments, local authorities, (and) religious, corporate and community leaders have a duty to invest in measures to promote tolerance, diversity and inclusiveness, and to challenge hate speech in all its forms," he added.

On June 18, 2021, the UN General Assembly declared June 18 the International Day for Countering Hate Speech with the aim of promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue and tolerance as effective counters to hate speech.