UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Opening Remarks to International Day of Countering Hate Speech 2024

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon, good morning, and good evening,

It is a privilege to join you today as we launch a four-part webinar series on countering hate speech and disinformation, in commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.

I am especially heartened to see the vibrant participation of young people in this webinar. Our youth, at the forefront of the digital age, are crucial to this initiative. Currently, 75% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are internet users, embodying a generation of digital natives.

Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, the digital revolution has surged forward. From 3.2 billion internet users globally in 2015 to 5.3 billion in 2023, the growth in internet access, especially in least developed countries where it has risen from 7% to 36%, is remarkable. This digital expansion fosters innovation and has transformed social, cultural, and political interactions worldwide. However, this digital revolution has a darker side. The same platforms that connect us also enable the rapid spread of lies and hate, causing significant harm. Misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech on digital platforms threaten the integrity of information, undermining its accuracy, consistency, and reliability.

Hate speech denies the values of tolerance, inclusion, and diversity, undermining the very essence of human rights norms and principles. It exposes those targeted to discrimination, abuse, violence, and social and economic exclusion. Left unchecked, expressions of hatred can harm societies, peace, and development, laying the groundwork for conflict, tension, and human rights violations, including atrocity crimes.

Hatred's devastating effects are not new; falsehoods and animosity have long been exploited for political or financial gain. Today, these issues are magnified by new communication technologies. The swift dissemination of hate speech and disinformation to vast audiences highlights the need for a collective response. Addressing and countering hate speech is a necessity that requires a holistic approach, mobilizing society as a whole. All individuals and organizations—including governments, the private sector, media, internet corporations, faith leaders, educators, youth, and civil society—have a moral duty to speak out firmly against hate speech and play a crucial role in countering this scourge.

The United Nations has a long-standing commitment to mobilizing against hatred, defending human rights, and upholding the rule of law. In 2019, we introduced the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, providing a comprehensive framework to address both the causes and impacts of this menace. Currently, we are developing Global Principles for Information Integrity to guide Member States, digital platforms, and other stakeholders in creating a safer and more inclusive digital space while protecting the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, and access to information.

In Ethiopia, the rising tide of hate speech has necessitated the establishment of a Taskforce on Countering Hate Speech by the UN Country Team. This taskforce is crucial as it brings together the coordinated efforts and partnerships of various actors, including the UN, governmental bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. In our fight against disinformation and hate speech, it is essential to recognize the immense value of digital platforms while addressing the root causes of misinformation—exclusion, economic disparity, and political disenchantment.

The webinar series we are launching today is a key part of these efforts. It aims to foster a shared understanding of critical issues such as freedom of expression, disinformation, hate speech, artificial intelligence, and online harassment. We also seek to inspire action from all actors, particularly the youth, in combating disinformation and hate speech.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the UN Association-Ethiopia for their collaboration with the UN Communications Group and the UN Taskforce on Countering Hate Speech in organizing these webinars. I also thank all participants and our distinguished presenter, Dr. Yohannes Eneyew, for joining us today.

I wish you all fruitful and productive discussions over the next four webinars.

Thank you for your participation.