United Nations Guidance Note on Addressing and Countering COVID-19 related Hate Speech

The UN guidance note on addressing and countering COVID-19-related hate speech, prepared by the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect in collaboration with the UN working group on hate speech. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified existing concerns related to the use and dissemination of hate speech globally. It has also created new vulnerable groups targeted by hate speech. Ensuring that hate speech is effectively addressed and countered at both national and global level will help improve our responses to the pandemic in the short term. It will also give us an opportunity to “build back better” by addressing the root causes of this phenomenon in our societies through promoting inclusion, solidarity and our common humanity.  

The guidance is complimentary to the Secretary-General’s Global Appeal to Address and Counter Hate Speech released 8 May 2020. It sets out recommendations to various stakeholders, including Member States, civil society, media and other relevant actors such as religious and civil leaders and influencers for addressing and countering COVID-19-related hate speech. It builds on and is complementary to the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.