As we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, it is essential to confront a troubling reality: hate speech and disinformation are spreading at an astonishing rate. This phenomenon is often fueled by negative reactions to gender equality, including sexual and reproductive rights, generating a torrent of hatred and other forms of digital violence. This language feeds fear and division, and brings extremely high costs to our communities and societies. It incites violence, exacerbates tensions, and hinders efforts towards reconciliation and dialogue. Tragically, it is one of the warning signs of genocide and other grave crimes.
The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is further increasing these risks, especially for women and girls, as AI accelerates the creation and spread of false or manipulated content, including deepfake videos, almost all of which are sexual in nature and target women. Coordinated hate campaigns, often spreading false narratives, such as on comprehensive sexuality education, generate fear, deepen stigma, and threaten decades of hard-won gains in gender equality and sexual and reproductive health. Simultaneously, legal frameworks and support systems often fail to effectively counter this onslaught. Furthermore, responses to hate speech – including blocking access to certain internet sites – can violate human rights by restricting freedom of speech and expression. These types of responses can also silence the voices of those best equipped to counter hateful narratives: human rights defenders and journalists.
In Albania, UNFPA, as part of the global movement against online gender-based hate speech and within the framework of the regional project 'Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust,' collaborates with UNDP, UN Women, and UNESCO to actively combat this phenomenon. Our focus is on young people, working closely with the Ministry of Youth and Children, other central and municipal institutions, civil society organizations, academia, and both formal and informal youth groups. Our approach includes education both inside and outside schools, strengthening human resource capacities, awareness campaigns, improving youth policies at the local level, and educating young people on how to carefully select information on digital platforms. This aims to reduce the spread of disinformation and hate speech, while simultaneously protecting the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
As we commemorate the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, let us renew our collective efforts to prevent and eradicate this toxic and destructive phenomenon. Let us work together to promote inclusive, just, and peaceful societies and communities, and to protect the rights and dignity of every individual. Together, we have the power to stop the hate and reclaim safe spaces for everyone.
