Around the world, we are seeing an alarming rise of xenophobia, racism and intolerance – including rising anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim hatred and persecution of Christians.

Social media and other forms of communication are being exploited as platforms for bigotry.

Neo-Nazi and white supremacy movements are on the march.

Public discourse is being weaponized for political gain with incendiary rhetoric that stigmatizes and dehumanizes minorities, migrants, refugees, women and any so-called “other”.

This is not an isolated phenomenon or the loud voices of a few people on the fringe of society.

Hate is moving into the mainstream in liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes alike – and casting a shadow over our common humanity.

It undermines social cohesion, erodes shared values, and can lay the foundation for violence, setting back the cause of peace, stability, sustainable development and human dignity.

In response to the alarming rise of hate speech, the UN Strategy & Plan of Action on Hate Speech was launched in June 2019. It sets out 13 commitments to be implemented globally, and also at the national level. They include a wide range of actions, including:

increasing understanding and monitoring of hate speech and its impact on societies

identifying and devising programs to address the drivers and root causes of hate speech

supporting alternative and positive narratives to counter hate speech.

The Plan is in line with the UN’s longstanding commitment to the protection, promotion and implementation of all international human rights standards.

Since its creation, the UN has mobilized the world against hatred of all kinds through wide-ranging action to defend human rights and advance the rule of law.