A major step, towards promoting harmony and addressing the growing problem of hate speech took place at the United Nations General Assembly on July 25 2023. The assembly adopted a resolution titled “Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and Tolerance in Countering Hate Speech” The resolution highlights the importance of encouraging conversations between faiths and cultures as a tool in preventing the spread of hate speech and prejudice.
This resolution is based on the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter building upon commitments. It places emphasis on recognizing the role that dialogue between religions and cultures plays. It reaffirms the value of respecting rights and freedoms regardless of one’s religion or beliefs.
Recognizing that dialogue contributes to cohesion, peace and development this resolution urges member states to consider intercultural dialogue as a powerful means to achieve peace, social stability and internationally agreed-upon development goals.
Acknowledging the essential contribution of dialogue to social cohesion, peace, and development, the resolution appeals to Member States to consider interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a potent instrument in realizing peace and social stability, as well as in achieving internationally agreed-upon development objectives.
This landmark resolution also addresses the concerning proliferation of hate speech. It stresses the importance of formulating an internationally agreed-upon definition of hate speech and invites all relevant stakeholders to observe the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The resolution also underscores the role of education, culture, peace, and mutual understanding in combatting discrimination and hate speech.
The General Assembly strongly condemns the promotion of hatred that leads to discrimination, hostility or violence whether it spreads through media or digital platforms. It emphasizes the connection, between freedoms such as religion/belief and freedom of opinion/expression advocating for their combined role in combating intolerance and discrimination.
Moreover, the resolution urges measures to combat the concerning spread of hate speech on social media platforms while upholding human rights standards. It calls upon member states and social media companies to work to reduce hate speech and improve user access to reporting mechanisms.
To effectively address this growing challenge the General Assembly has called upon the UN Secretary-General to organize a conference in 2025. This conference will bring together UN entities, member states, religious leaders organizations, media representatives and civil society to discuss strategies for promoting dialogue among religions and cultures as a means of countering hate speech.
With this resolution in place, the international community is ready to intensify its efforts towards creating a world where understanding, tolerance and mutual respect prevail over religious barriers. By countering hate speech and discrimination we aim to foster an environment that embraces acceptance and respect of rhetoric.
The resolute commitment of the General Assembly, towards fostering dialogue among religions and cultures serves as evidence of our determination to build a future characterized by peace, understanding, and unity while transcending divisive language.
