Hate speech incites violence and undermines social cohesion and tolerance. The devastating effect of hatred is sadly nothing new. However, its scale and impact are nowadays amplified by new technologies of communication, to the point that hate speech - including online - has become one of the most frequent methods for spreading divisive rhetoric and ideologies on a global scale and threatening peace.
The United Nations has a long history of mobilizing the world against hatred of all kinds to defend human rights and advance the rule of law. The impact of hate speech cuts across numerous existing United Nations areas of focus, from human rights protection and prevention of atrocity crimes to sustaining peace and achieving gender equality and supporting children and youth.
Because fighting hate, discrimination, racism and inequality is at the core of United Nations principles and work, the Organization is working to confront hate speech at every turn. This principle is enshrined in the United Nations Charter, in the international human rights framework and in the global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Human rights affect people everywhere, every day. Human rights have a tangible positive impact, offer practical solutions and can empower communities to build a better future.
World leaders adopted the Pact at the Summit of the Future held in New York in September 2024. Its adoption demonstrates that countries are committed to an international system with the United Nations at its centre.
In collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden to Austria and UN Women Austria, the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna joined the global Orange the World Campaign 2024 dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to end gender-based violence.
The Summit is a high-level event, bringing together world leaders to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.
