(Photo: Anadolu)
UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Thursday that hate speech is increasingly exploiting digital platforms, algorithms and artificial intelligence, allowing harmful rhetoric to spread rapidly across societies.
Speaking at a UN event on intercultural dialogue and countering hate speech, Guterres said hateful rhetoric is eroding trust, dividing communities and dehumanizing groups around the world.
He urged governments and societies to address both the causes and consequences of hate speech through approaches grounded in respect, equity and participation from women, men and young people.
Guterres stressed that efforts to curb hate speech should not undermine freedom of expression, but said free speech should not be used to justify or worsen harm.
He called for stronger collective action to break cycles of fear, hatred and violence and build more cohesive societies.
UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman also said hate speech often grows from fear, misunderstanding and limited interaction among people of different faiths and cultures.
Rahman said dialogue and tolerance are among the strongest tools for addressing prejudice, misinformation and hostility, adding that rebuilding trust would be a priority during the 81st session of the General Assembly.
