Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Nderitu. UN: Hate speech can lead to mass crimes Peace and Security
Participants in conflicts often resort to using hate speech against the opposing side. This increases tension, and in some cases can serve as an impetus for committing mass crimes and genocide. This was stated to members of the Security Council by Alice Wairimu Nderitu, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide.
Hate speech, often coupled with disinformation, can, according to the UN representative, deepen divisions and divisions in society. This practice poses a direct threat to the population, especially in the context of an ongoing conflict.
“In the most serious situations, hate speech can also be an indicator of risk and a catalyst for serious crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity,” Nderitu added.
Today, she recalled, in the era of the Internet and social networks, misinformation and hate speech are spreading rapidly. Such words sow discord, mislead and incite hatred. Anyone can launch such a campaign of hatred and spread it as widely as possible these days.
Alice Wairimu Nderitu stressed that the United Nations has developed strategies to combat with hate speech that help combat this phenomenon.
Nderitu called on the Security Council to continue to actively engage with technology and social media companies in the fight against with hate speech online. She also invited countries to consider developing national action plans to combat hate speech and assured them of her support in this matter.
At the UN, according to the Special advisor, are committed to protecting freedom of religion or belief, as well as freedom of expression and gender equality, and are committed to overcoming the forces of division that the world faces today.
Briefing in the Security Council was dedicated to the implementation of the resolution aimed at combating hate speech, and was dedicated to the corresponding international day, which is celebrated on June 18.