The United Nations celebrates the International Day of Countering Hate Speech

The United Nations celebrates the “International Day of Countering Hate Speech” on June 18, as it is increasing worldwide against Muslims, indigenous peoples, blacks and minorities.

The United Nations declared the revival of the international day with the aim of promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in the face of hate speech.

On the occasion, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that hate speech affects not only individuals and groups, but also societies as a whole.

He added that the destructive impact of hate is unfortunately not something new, yet its size and impact has been amplified today by new communication technologies, explaining that the Internet and social media contribute to the maximization of hate speech, so that it has become spread like wildfire across borders.

The Secretary-General indicated that, if left unchecked, hate speech could harm peace and development as it paves the way for conflicts, tensions and human rights violations on a large scale.