The United Nations, on the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, has stated that hatred is not an innate or natural phenomenon, but rather one that is shaped by social conditions, environment, and education and that it can likewise be prevented and eliminated through these same means.
UN Women also shared a similar message on its X (formerly Twitter) account, stating: “No one is born to hate. Hatred is learned, and it can be unlearned.”
The United Nations observes the International Day for Countering Hate Speech every year on June 18 to remind the global community that hate speech and the spread of hatred pose a serious threat to human rights, social stability, and global peace.
The organization emphasizes that hate speech is not merely a verbal or linguistic issue, but one that can lead to discrimination, violence, and even large-scale humanitarian crises.
The report also notes that in today’s digital age, the spread of hate through social media is rapidly increasing, widening the divide between ethnic, religious, and social groups and heightening the risk of conflict.
The United Nations calls on governments, media outlets, technology companies, and civil society organizations to take coordinated action against hate speech through education, public awareness, and strengthened legal frameworks, while also upholding the principles of freedom of expression.
The organization warns that without serious action to counter the spread of hatred, not only will social divisions deepen, but the risk of international conflicts will also increase.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
