Building Inclusive and Resilient Societies by Combating Hate Speech

This project seeks to contribute to the advancement of inclusive peaceful and pluralistic societies through efforts to support the implementation of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) Resolution 16/18. Freedom of expression religion or belief and non-discrimination are mutually reinforcing rights. In HRC Resolution 16/18 States committed to uphold these rights by addressing the root causes of violence and discrimination motivated by religion or belief. To do so States are focusing on building the resilience of communities to messages advocating violence and on increasing space for inclusive and pluralistic discourse. Though governments are committed to the resolution at the national level some are facing significant challenges in implementing it. The efforts carried out in this project aim to address this implementation gap internationally and specifically at the national level in Bangladesh Myanmar and Tunisia where particular support is needed.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) international mechanisms are more effective in promoting peaceful inclusive societies by increasing understanding of United Nations processes (Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review Istanbul Process) on how to combat religiously motivated hate speech through promoting religious tolerance and freedom of expression; and (2) improved or newly initiated legislative processes and inter-community dialogues are underway in Tunisia Myanmar and Bangladesh to combat religiously-motivated hate speech and incitement to violence building the stability of communities.