UNITED NATIONS: Expressing grave concern over inciting hatred around the world, Pakistan called for collective efforts to counter its manifestations of Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia and incitement to violence.
“Hatred is a threat to everyone; It must be fought collectively,” Ambassador Aamir Khan, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan at the UN, said in comments on event hosted by Morocco in connection with in first- ever international day for Countering hate speech.
Among the priority actions proposed by the Pakistani envoy was for government interventions for the purpose of “internal criminalization of certain manifestations of hate speech such as racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and incitement to violence.”
“Hate language is on in rise World, with opportunity to incite violence, undermine social based on unity and tolerance on xenophobia, racism, Islamophobia, hatred and other forms of intolerance and discrimination,” Ambassador Aamir Khan warned.
“History has shown us that genocide and other atrocities begin with words – there is a collective responsibility to combat hate speech in today to prevent further violence in in future”.
He hoped that under the umbrella of UN strategy and plan of Action on Hate Speech, Bold action will be taken in response to intolerant, inflammatory and biased narratives that fuel and reinforce racial and religious fear, hostility and hatred.
Among other actions proposed by the Pakistani envoy were:
– TO build consensus on the urgent need to strengthen education, powerful tool to combat hate speech and set out specific recommendations in this also applies
– Social media companies urgently review its policies, and effectively manage hate speech and disinformation. online efforts that will require governments and relevant technology companies work together.
Meanwhile at the briefing in connection with Day, UN special adviser on Genocide, Ms. Alice Nderitu was asked by a Pakistani correspondent about rising Islamophobia in India.
“We have quite a few of situations of anxiety, and of of course, that’s it one of them,” she said.
In a message issued on the occasion of the International Day for Opposition Hate speech, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said hate speech incites violence, undermines diversity and social cohesion and “threatening common values and principles that bind us together.”
He added, “promotes racism, xenophobia and misogyny; it dehumanizes individuals and communities; and it seriously affects on our efforts to promote peace and security, human rights and sustainable development.
“Internet and social media incite hate speech, allowing it to spread like Forest fire across borders.
