The international community commemorated Saturday June 18 for the first time the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, an opportunity to renew global solidarity for combating hate speech which is the prime catalyst for hatred, inter-religious discord, discrimination, incitement to violence, and acts of violence against people and communities. Addressing the event, Morocco’s permanent representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, highlighted the inclusive and action-oriented efforts Morocco is making in the fight against hate speech, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. The ambassador deplored the rise of hate speech in several countries around the world, as well as the stigmatization and instrumentalization of migrants, refugees and minorities. This phenomenon paves the way to conflict and tension, he warned, making it clear that hate speech is not part of the freedom of expression. For his part, Yassine Isboua, National Coordinator of the movement against hate speech in Morocco called for a collective effort to counteract the advance of hate speech in the world, especially on social networks.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 19, 2022 20:38 UTC