Countering and addressing online hate speech: a guide for policy makers and practitioners

Online  hate  speech  remains  a  critical  challenge  to advancing the objectives set out in the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and the pillars of the United Nations work, namely Peace and Security, Human  Rights  and  Sustainable  Development.  The recommendations  outlined  in  this  policy  paper, provide a framework for countering hate speech, in line  with  international  human  rights norms  and standards. The recommendations are based on three years of consultations and dialogue, including with the technology and social media companies, experts, the  UN  Working  Group  on  Hate  Speech  and  civil society.  Their  implementation  should  be  part  of broader  efforts  to  address  hate  speech globally, including its root causes and impact offline, in line with the UN Strategy and Plan of Action. The pursuit of  these  recommendations should  also  prioritize participation  and  engagement  directly  with  the victims of hate speech, underpinned by the principles of non-discrimination and leaving no one behind.