Build Bridges, Not Boundaries: A Call to Counter Hate Speech Together

By Susan Namondo, UN Resident Coordinator and Michel Toto, UNESCO Representative in Tanzania

In an increasingly polarized world, the rise of hate speech is more than a digital nuisance; it is a direct threat to peace, inclusion, and sustainable development. As we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, we are reminded of our collective duty to uphold human dignity and reject all forms of discrimination.

In July 2021, the United Nations General Assembly acknowledged the growing danger of hate speech, adopting a landmark resolution that promotes interreligious and intercultural dialogue rooted in international human rights law. This resolution also designated June 18 as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, reinforcing the UN’s 2019 Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.

Hate speech is not new. However, digital platforms have exponentially increased its speed, reach, and impact. From gender-based violence to ethnic incitement, hate speech has found amplified power online, jeopardizing human rights, fueling conflict, and undermining social cohesion.

Yet, efforts to counter hate speech are sometimes mischaracterized as overly ‘woke’ or politically correct. Such framing is both inaccurate and dangerous. Rejecting hate is not about silencing opinion; it’s about upholding respect, dignity, and factual discourse. It is possible—and indeed necessary—to protect freedom of expression while drawing the line at incitement, dehumanization and harm. Speaking out against hate is not a culture war—it’s a defence of shared humanity.  

Artificial intelligence (AI) compounds this challenge. While AI algorithms can intensify harmful content for profit or popularity, they also offer solutions such as detecting hate speech, predicting conflict, and enabling early warning systems. Ensuring these technologies are governed ethically and anchored in human rights is essential. The United Nations is advancing this through initiatives like the Global Digital Compact.

A Shared Front Against Hate

In 2019 UN Secretary-General launched the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech to support Member States in addressing and countering hate speech while protecting freedom of expression and opinion.

This year, we encourage everyone to engage with the #NoToHate campaign, which raises awareness of hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, and provides tools and resources to help address them in your work and online presence.

UNESCO has produced tools to support states, digital platforms, and civil society in addressing hate speech responsibly. Key resources include:

• Protecting Critical Voices: A guide for assessing the human rights impact of digital platforms.
• Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms and a companion on generative AI advocate for inclusive, rights-based regulation.
• Covering Hate Speech: A Guide for Journalists, which promotes ethical journalism, especially crucial in sensitive contexts like elections.

Journalists and media outlets are indispensable allies in this effort. Their role is not to amplify hate, but to expose its sources and impacts. Navigating the balance between upholding freedom of expression and preventing its abuse is guided by international standards and ethical practice.

In today’s era of disinformation and deep fakes, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) equips individuals, especially youth, with the tools to discern, challenge, and counter harmful content. UNESCO’s MILtiverse Toolkit, developed with partners under the EU-funded “Social Media 4 Peace” initiative, empowers youth organizations to embed MIL into their strategies and outreach.

When people understand how information is created, manipulated, and disseminated, they become powerful defenders of truth, tolerance, and peace.

UN observances are more than symbolic. They galvanize political will, promote accountability, and encourage public participation. The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is a call to action: rejecting hate is not someone else’s job but everyone’s responsibility.

With its longstanding traditions of unity and dialogue, Tanzania is uniquely positioned to lead local, national and regional efforts to promote tolerance and safe digital spaces. Yet, such an advantage is not to be taken for granted. The rise of online coarseness, inflammatory rhetoric during electoral cycles, and online gender-based attacks on women leaders and journalists are growing concerns. Tanzanians must refuse to normalize speech that endangers harmony. Let us seize this opportunity to amplify inclusive voices, bridge divides, and nurture a digital environment rooted in respect.

On this day, and every day, let us reaffirm a simple truth: hate will not define us. Solidarity will.