National ‘Countering Hate Speech’ campaign launched in Guyana

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the United Nations in Guyana launched a national ‘Countering Hate Speech’ campaign in observance of the International Day to Counter Hate Speech. 

The campaign will feature the dissemination of public service announcements, social media message and workshops with various stakeholders including youth, influencers, and disc jockeys. 

Delivering remarks at the event, UN Resident Coordinator Yeşim Oruç said, “Hate speech is a marker, an early warning sign of discrimination, abuse, violence, conflict, and even of crimes against humanity.” She noted that in 2019 Secretary-General António Guterres launched the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which highlights the UN’s ongoing commitment to promote peaceful, inclusive and just societies. 

She said “addressing hate speech does not mean limiting or prohibiting freedom of speech. Nipping hate speech at the bud is as much about education and positive messaging intended to keep hate speech from escalating into something more dangerous that is prohibited under criminal law. #NoToHate campaigns and the work that the ERC is embarking on today is precisely about that.”

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Hon. Gail Teixeira, highlighted the need for familial involvement in public education efforts against hate speech. She said, “to build a society rooted in respect and tolerance, we must start with teaching values that celebrate diversity as something good and exciting.”

Chief Executive Officer of ERC, Gomin Camacho stated that the "campaign aims to educate and inform individuals to be more aware that certain words and statements carry negative connotations, which hurt, disrespect, and in some cases lead to violence.” 

In attendance at the launch were representatives from the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and development partners.

The campaign will be supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and International Organization for Migration (IOM).

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This story was first published by the UN in Guyana.