The United Nations has warned people across the globe to desist from making utterances and hate speech that could lead to genocide and other crimes against humanity.
The Special Adviser of the United Nations Secretary-General on Prevention of Genocide, Ms Alice Nderitu who is on an official visit to Nigeria made the call at a media briefing in Abuja.
She attributed hate speech to the various crimes against humanity in the world hence the need to address it.
“Countering and addressing hate speech is crucial in the Holocaust and Genocides in Rwanda against Tutsi and Bosnia Herzegovina.
“Hate Speech and dehumanization of other tribes were present during, after and long before violence broke out and such crimes were committed.
“UN is aware that the impact of hate speech makes those targeted more vulnerable to violence, exposes them to exclusion and discrimination, exacerbates underlying social and economic inequalities undermines social cohesion, it also contributes to polarizing communities along Identity lines, hampering dialogue and reconciliation which dehumanizes groups is very deep concern.”
The UN Special Adviser also disclosed some of the measures to be taken in countering the menace.
“The World needs to address divisive and harmful language, avoid escalation of tensions that can result in violence, emphasize accountability for electoral related violence which lack of it can be detrimental for making and sustaining World peace”.
She called on media organizations to utilize all available tools to stop the spread of hate speech that could incite discrimination, hostility or violence on their platforms.
“The Media should maintain its role in educating, informing, raising awareness and alarming people on situations at risk with verified facts.”
According to her, tackling hate speech is crucial to deepen progress across the world by helping to prevent armed conflicts, atrocities, terrorism, end violence against women and other serious human rights violations.
Hate Speech is any communication in speech, writing or behaviour, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or group on the basis of their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or other factors.
PIAK
