UN Sounds Alarm on Global Hate Speech Crisis as the world celebrates International Day for Countering Hate Speech
Hate speech is spreading fast and hitting hard, threatening peace, human rights, and social unity worldwide. That warning came from UNESCO as it marked the International Day for Countering Hate Speech on June 18.
UNESCO describes hate speech as any form of communication spoken, written, or behavioral that attacks people based on identity. Targets include religion, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, descent, and other personal traits. The effects are serious and widespread, with language often used to spread stereotypes, scapegoating, conspiracy theories, and historical denial.
“The damage is real,” said a statement from UNESCO’s latest briefing. “Hate speech weakens the foundations of peace, undermines social trust, and tears at the fabric of shared values.”
The UN first addressed the issue in June 2019 with a global Strategy and Plan of Action. It set a clear path for member states to prohibit the most dangerous forms such as incitement to violence, discrimination, or genocide under international law, including Article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
In 2021, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for stronger efforts to promote tolerance and intercultural dialogue. It also established June 18 as the global day for action against hate speech.
Online Platforms Spread Hate at Record Speeds
According to UNESCO, digital platforms are the biggest accelerators of hate speech today. Social media enables rapid, wide-scale spread of hateful content.
UNESCO is urging internet companies to take responsibility. “We are asking platforms to be transparent about how hate spreads, how their algorithms work, and what policies are in place to stop abuse,” UNESCO stated.
The organization has published 26 key principles to guide digital platforms in reducing hate speech and disinformation. These include accountability measures and calls for algorithmic audits.
Education Holds the Key to Prevention
While online regulation is crucial, UNESCO stresses that education is the most powerful long-term solution. The agency has developed new tools for teachers, policy-makers, and justice systems to recognize, prevent, and respond to hate.
In collaboration with the UN Office on Genocide Prevention, UNESCO published a practical guide in 2023 titled Addressing Hate Speech Through Education. The guide focuses on how to protect students from hateful ideologies and promote critical thinking, civic responsibility, and respect.
The manual also recommends national policies that embed human rights in education systems and train legal professionals on global freedom of expression standards.
“Freedom of speech must not be weaponized to justify hate,” reads one part of the guide. It emphasizes that while international law protects offensive speech, it does not permit language that incites violence or denies the rights of others.
A Human Rights Approach
UNESCO’s work is grounded in protecting human rights and freedoms. It continues to support governments in developing national strategies and legal tools to tackle hate without compromising civil liberties.
The organization also promotes a free, pluralistic media environment and encourages responsible journalism and content moderation, especially in conflict-sensitive regions.
UNESCO’s message is clear: hate speech is not only a personal attack. It is a global threat that demands action through education, accountability, and law.
“Stopping hate is not censorship,” the statement added. “It is protection of dignity, of identity, and of peace.”
