The swift acceleration of hatred on the basis of religion or belief online and offline as well as the speed with which social media and AI technology is developing means that next 12 to 18 months will be crucial in terms of addressing this issue. A comprehensive and creative response is needed, one which works with governments and technology companies, but which is not afraid of challenging them where they benefit, whether politically or economically, from sowing division and hatred. This means FoRB advocates need to:
- Develop new approaches to counteract hate speech and its consequences at national and international levels that do not rest on legal restrictions or criminalisation of freedom of expression but have a more holistic approach.
- Develop actionable strategies for interfaith, intercultural, and civil society action and for government engagement on hate speech leading to violence and discrimination and inclusive governance to address marginalisation.
- Develop new guidelines or practical tools to combat hate in line with current multilateral commitments such as UN Resolution 16/18 and drawing on the Rabat Plan of Action.
‘Building bridges is very important, but walking across them is what we really need’
Mobilising existing frameworks, networks, and structures
Strategically influence the next SDGs
- As the United Nations is currently planning for the next Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifying those who have say and sway here is key to ensuring that FoRB related issues are part and parcel of the new SDGs.
- Strategic targeting of specific people and groups here would be beneficial.
UNSCR 2250 and UNSCR1325
- Many individuals who are involved in the youth, peace and security agenda are religious. UNSCR 2250 on youth, peace, and security can be mobilised better as a part of FoRB work.
- UNSCR 1325 on women, peace and security should take greater account of hate speech and the way that women are adversely affected by it.
UN Pact for the Future
- This is being negotiated at the moment and FoRB should be on the agenda. The youth chapter of the pact should have language on combatting hate speech.
- This would be a good way of integrating FoRB into UN work more widely and of gaining visibility and traction.
Improving the circulation of existing tools and resources
- Provide lawmakers and foreign policymakers in IRFBA (International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance) and International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief with briefings on the Istanbul Process.
- Reinvigorate the Istanbul Process, including by establishing a troika of countries to coordinate regular meetings, increase participation, establish clear methodology, provide consistent support, and improve sustainability.
- Write toolkits for diplomats to help them tailor messages. Create a one stop shop of resources.
- Increase familiarisation with UN HRC Resolution 16/18, Rabat Plan of Action and Istanbul Process, and other UN-developed tools such as the Faith4Rights toolkit.
Working more strategically with governments and intergovernmental institutions
Develop toolkits and trainings for officials at all levels
- Develop context specific toolkits for policy makers, government officials and politicians on FoRB and hate speech.
- Offer context specific training for parliamentarians, politicians and government officials.
- Develop a framework to break down legal requirements and cultural contexts of different countries and regions to allow for synergies and greater effectiveness.
Hold an annual Civil Society Organisation forum to combat hatred based on religion or belief
- This would be a space to share best practice and exchange implementations that work and integrate with the Istanbul Process.
- There is no need to reinvent the wheel but there needs to be a renewed understanding and focus on work that has gone before including HRC resolution 16/18, Rabat Plan of Action and Beirut Declaration.
Working more effectively with law enforcement, courts and judges
- Invest in training judges and lawyers in hate speech laws, including the Rabat Plan of Action and its 6-part incitement threshold test.
- Invest in training police and law enforcement in FoRB at international (e.g. Interpol/Europol), national and local level.
- Build capacity and knowledge across the legal profession and law enforcement.
Working more effectively with tech and media companies
Working with social media companies for the benefit of mental health
- Bring mental health experts into the wider conversation about FoRB, particularly in terms of influencing social media companies to minimise and better regulate harmful content online.
- Work towards limiting very young people’s exposure to online spaces and ensuring spaces are safe.
- Support more reporting and advocacy to social media companies on the impact online hate has in the offline environment. Encourage all social media companies to take similar steps as META towards transparency and regulation.
Joint mobilisation positive content creation
- Build networks of young journalists and youth activists to generate positive online content.
- Highlight business opportunities for developers to build better filters to block hate speech and for tech companies to sift out hate speech rather than waiting for it to be reported.
- Engage media to challenge existing negative content and build positive content (e.g. Netflix).
- Engage with game developers to build exciting games that support acceptance and understanding.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep fakes and algorithms
- Skilling up is needed on these topics across the board.
- Seek out training on AI for FoRB activists, civil servants and policy makers to ensure literacy on this fast-moving issue area.
Invite social media and tech companies into the conversation
- Regularly invite representatives of social media and tech companies to FoRB related events and seek standalone meetings with them.
- Encourage sharing of information and integrated aims with FoRB advocates and wider civil society.
- Demonstrate to social media companies benefits of taking positive action against hate online.
Focus on children and youth
Establish a FoRB youth advisory component
- When organising FoRB related forums, youth need to be front and centre. Go beyond having a youth section in the programme and inviting those who are already participating in the conversation, seek out unheard voices.
- Make space for youth as active participants in the design and execution of forums and international conferences (e.g. FoRB ministerials).
- Make sure marketing and invite material is ‘on point’ to reach younger audience.
Amplify and support credible messengers and media from young people
- Work to amplify young voices and help them develop positive content online.
- Involve positive role models that are locally recognisable.
Education to build resilience against hate
Start early
- The first five years of life are crucial in the frameworks that define young people’s lives. This means that initiatives that seek to build inclusivity, understanding and acceptance of difference also needs to be directed at the early years (e.g. nurseries, kindergarten and pre-school).
- Work with professionals working in early years settings to develop joint curricula promoting inclusivity and respect across religions and beliefs.
- Convene meetings with UNESCO and national education ministries to discuss implementation.
Develop and promote existing learning resources
- Work directly with individuals, schools and religious communities
- Make material accessible, available online and beyond formal education ministry channels.
- Draw on existing material
- Integrate global citizenship curriculum into national education.
- Work bilaterally and multilaterally at every level to ensure diversity.