NHRCK Chairperson’s Statement Marking 3rd International Day for Countering Hate Speech
In 2021, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 18 as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. This year, on its third anniversary, the UN highlights the obligations of national and local governments as well as religious, business and community leaders to foster a culture of tolerance, diversity and inclusiveness and counter hate speech in all its forms“ and calls on them to promote human rights education, actively facilitate youth participation in decision making and tackle intolerance, discrimination, bias and stereotypes at every opportunity.
The proliferation of hate speech is driven by economic inequality, rising youth unemployment, prevalence of meritocracy, weakening of a healthy and democratic political system and attention-seeking behaviors in online spaces.
The severity and prevalence of hate speech is an indicator of the extent of discrimination, abuse, violence and conflict of a society. Hate speech is running rampant in Korea, which is becoming more diverse in terms of races, countries of origin, traditions and customs. Hate speech in disaster situations leaves victims feeling isolated, while clouding the issue and escalating tensions.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea(NHRCK) launched a project last year in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to establish a communication channel for countering the spread of hate speech as part of a government-wide response to tackle hate speech. Through this project, the NHRCK will continue to fulfill its responsibility to ensure effective government response to address hate speech.
States have an obligation under international laws to prohibit the incitement to hatred and discrimination against minority groups and deepen mutual understanding and solidarity to ensure that women, persons with disabilities, refugees, migrants and LGBTQI people fully enjoy their rights and live safely.
The National Assembly started its 22nd session on May 30 amid a lot of expectations of citizens. Countries around the world are working to tackle hate speech through the enactment of an equality act or anti-discrimination act. The anti-discrimination law will reaffirm our commitment to addressing hate and discrimination and facilitate concrete efforts to build an equal society.
With the National Assembly starting its session with a resolve to tackle the spread of hate and discrimination, I urge lawmakers to work together for the introduction of anti-discrimination law to promote equality in our society.
