Message by UN Resident Coordinator Vladanka Andreeva on International Day for Countering Hate Speech

In July 2021, the UN General Assembly highlighted global concerns over “the exponential spread and proliferation of hate speech” and adopted a resolution on “promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech”.

Unfortunately, hate speech is on the rise worldwide. It affects us all.

It has potential to incite violence, undermine social cohesion and tolerance, and cause psychological, emotional, and physical harm.

Its scale and impact are amplified today by new technologies of communication.

If left unchecked, hate speech can harm peace and development, as it lays the ground for conflicts and tensions, wide scale human rights violations.

The International Day of Countering Hate Speech is an initiative that builds on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.

In line with this strategy, the United Nations has been supporting the civil society and the young people in Azerbaijan and neighboring countries to do their part to counter hate speech and engage in advocacy initiatives – including through social media - to foster peaceful, inclusive, and just societies.

We all have the moral duty of speaking out firmly against all instances of hate speech; we all have a crucial role to play to counter this scourge.

No one is born to hate. Hate is learned. But it can be unlearned – though joint actions, dialogue, and mutual understanding.