United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech: Detailed Guidance on Implementation for United Nations Field Presences

“Fighting hate, discrimination, racism and inequality is at the core of United Nations principles and the Organization’s work. It is enshrined in the founding Charter, in the international human rights framework and in our collective efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Hate speech, including online, has become one of the most frequent methods for spreading divisive and discriminatory messages and ideologies. The United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action endeavours to counter this poison and embodies a commitment by the United Nations to step up coordinated action to tackle hate speech both globally and at the national level. It responds to the worrying growth of xenophobia, racism and intolerance, including anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred, around the world. Hate speech undermines social cohesion, erodes shared values and can lay the foundation for violence, undermining peace, stability, sustainable development and the fulfillment of human rights for all. Implementing the Strategy requires concerted system-wide efforts. This Guidance provides detailed information on how to implement the 13 commitments set out in the Strategy and options for action that United Nations staff can take in field contexts, guided by the broad vision of prevention, and building on good practices from within the United Nations system as well as from Member States, civil society and other stakeholders. The Guidance is a living document that will be reviewed and updated as needed.”