New York/The Hague
Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) commemorates the Second International Day for Countering Hate Speech: a momentous occasion to call for a strong commitment to combat the rising tide of hate speech within parliaments worldwide and its adverse impact on vulnerable collectives, including women, LGBTQI+, and ethnic minorities.
Hate speech feeds cycles of violence that may trigger the commission of atrocity crimes. It poses a grave threat to democratic principles, tolerance, and respect for human rights, and its pervasive presence in parliamentary debates and interactions undermines the integrity of democratic institutions, hampering the collective ability to address pressing issues. Hate speech also perpetuates divisions, exacerbates polarization, and erodes the very fabric of communities.
PGA acknowledges the significant role social media platforms play in disseminating and amplifying this scourge. In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in hate speech online against legislators. The anonymity and ease of spreading hateful and misleading content, disinformation, and misinformation campaigns through these platforms have allowed hate speech to spread rapidly, reaching broad audiences and having a lasting impact on individuals.
While it affects people from various backgrounds, PGA recognizes the specific challenges faced by legislators from vulnerable and marginalized communities. Women in politics and other vulnerable individuals are attacked with slurs based on a combination of misogyny, sexism, and racism, seeking to silence their voices and undermine their contributions. Such acts harm the targeted individuals’ psychological and physical integrity, reinforce gender inequality, discourage women’s participation in public life, and impede progress toward achieving gender parity and political representation.
Similarly, hate speech directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) legislators perpetuates discrimination and marginalization. Subjecting them to stigmatization, prejudice, and hateful rhetoric, denies them their right to fully participate in political spheres and hinders the advancement of inclusive policies that promote equality and respect for all. Other groups, such as representatives from indigenous communities, often face discriminatory rhetoric perpetuating stereotypes and disregarding their unique perspectives and experiences.
To effectively counter hate speech, PGA calls upon all parliamentarians worldwide to uphold the following commitments:
- Raise Awareness: Sensitize and educate about the detrimental effects of hate speech on individuals, communities, and democratic institutions. This includes collaborating with civil society organizations, promoting awareness campaigns, organizing workshops and capacity-building programs, and incorporating educational initiatives to foster understanding and empathy to counter hate speech.
- Legislative Measures: Advocate for, and adopt legislation that explicitly condemns hate speech and provides appropriate legal mechanisms to address its manifestations within parliaments. These measures should include clear definitions of hate speech, penalties for offenders, and mechanisms for redress and support for victims.
- Promote Inclusion and Diversity: Actively promote gender equality, inclusion, and diversity within parliamentary structures. This involves encouraging the political participation of women, LGBTQI+ legislators, and ethnic minorities to create safe spaces to voice their concerns, perspectives, and policy proposals.
- Code of Conduct: Adhering to a comprehensive code of conduct, such as the one developed by Parliamentarians for Global Action, encouraging the integrity of political speech within parliamentary proceedings. Qualitative engagement among legislators and with their constituents can foster more dialogue and support rebuilding trust in the legislative branch, closest to citizens.
- Encourage Legislation and Public Policy for Safe Digital Spaces: Collaborate with tech companies, civil society organizations, NGOs, and international bodies to develop effective strategies to monitor and regulate online spaces, ensuring that these platforms are not breeding grounds for hate speech but platforms that promote dialogue, understanding, and respect. By addressing issues in the digital realm, parliamentarians can promote a safer and more inclusive online environment for all.
By adopting these commitments, Members of Parliament can demonstrate their dedication to promoting respectful, inclusive, and democratic political environments. Shifting mindsets and behaviors are long-term commitments that require sustained efforts and collaboration. Parliamentarians for Global Action stands united in our resolve to counter hate speech and promote a culture of tolerance, respect, and inclusiveness.
Together, we can create an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and ethnic background, feel valued, protected, and empowered to contribute to civil and political spaces. We urge parliamentarians to use their role and position to challenge hate speech whenever and wherever it arises, within their parliaments and beyond. On this Second International Day for Countering Hate Speech, we renew our commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, justice, human rights, equality, and the rule of law.
