The organization has linked a guide on "how to deal with hate speech" online, which includes reporting it to government authorities.
The guide is divided into eight steps: pause, fact-check, react, challenge, support, report, educate, and commit. It provides standard advice on verifying information provided online, being respectful online, and not responding quickly to the info targeting people. The guide emphasizes that it is up to individuals to bring attention to any content construed as "hate speech."
June 26, 2023
The UN defines hate speech as "offensive discourse targeting a group or an individual based on inherent characteristics (such as race, religion, or gender) and that may threaten social peace."
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The report section advises that hate speech should be reported on "online platforms and communities" that have "rules to keep user discussions respectful." It also recommends that readers "[r]ead social media platform guidelines and tips to protect users from harassment and hate speech."
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The guide distinguishes and brings in government authority for more severe cases, which may constitute an incitement to violence, harassment, and threats prohibited by law. It advises readers to notify organizations fighting hate speech and file a complaint with the police. Some countries have online tools to make reporting hate speech easier.
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In Sweden, for example, hate speech law mandates that "A person who, in a statement or other communication that is disseminated, threatens or expresses contempt for a population group by allusion to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity or expression is guilty of agitation against a population group and is sentenced to imprisonment for at most two years or, if the offence is minor, to a fine."
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Websites have been designed to report so-called hate speech online in Sweden. One website states that even "mean statements about an ethnic group or a group of people alluding to race, skin tone, ethnic background, belief or sexual orientation" can be considered a criminal offense and "should be reported to the police."
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Similar hate speech reporting systems and laws exist in other countries that are part of the UN, such as Denmark, France, and Belgium.
The UN's guide serves as a reminder that hate speech is a serious issue that can have severe consequences. It is up to individuals to take responsibility and report any hate speech to the relevant authorities.
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