Promoting dialogue and tolerance between religions and cultures in combating hate speech - Maat Foundation for Peace, Development and Human Rights

Set reading font size

Promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in combating hate speech

December 22, 2021

Introduction:

On July 21, 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 309/75 (referred to as Resolution) by consensus. The decision urged for "the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech ." With the adoption of this resolution, the United Nations General Assembly invited Member States, regional and international organizations, as well as civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and various individuals, to celebrate June 18, 2022 as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. It requested the President of the United Nations General Assembly to convene a high-level meeting to support the development of strategies to identify, address and counter hate speech at the national and global levels.[1]By adopting this resolution, the United Nations General Assembly called on Member States, regional and international organizations and civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations, the private sector and various individuals, to celebrate the International Day to Combat Hate Speech starting from June 18, 2022, and requested the President of the United Nations General Assembly to hold a high-level meeting To support the development of strategies to identify, confront and combat hate speech at the national and global levels.

The resolution also stressed the critical role of Member States, regional organizations, national human rights institutions, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies, the media, and civil society in encouraging tolerance and respect for religious and cultural diversity and in promoting and protecting human rights, including the right to freedom of religion and belief. The resolution also drew attention to the role played by religious leaders and religious organizations in combating hate speech if they express it openly, curb extremism, and show solidarity with those targeted and victims whose rights were violated based on these speeches.