Today, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), in collaboration with the United Nations, launched a comprehensive Countering Hate Speech campaign aimed at mitigating and eliminating hate speech, particularly prevalent on social media platforms and often based on ethnic and political affiliations.
The initiative coincides with the observance of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
Deputy Chairman of the ERC, Charles Ogle, highlighted the campaign’s objectives, emphasizing enhanced social media awareness, public education on various forms of hate speech, and empowering individuals to address this critical issue.
He announced forthcoming software tools to bolster monitoring efforts in collaboration with international partners.
UN Resident Coordinator, Yesim Oruc, stressed that the campaign is not intended to curtail freedom of speech but rather to safeguard against harmful expressions and foster cohesion among communities.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, commended the initiative and urged the ERC to scrutinize the conduct of parliamentarians, underscoring the role of leadership in shaping societal norms.
The launch marks a significant step in addressing the impact of hate speech on social harmony and underscores the commitment of both local and international bodies to promoting tolerance and unity.