When launching the?United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech?in June 2019, Secretary-General António Guterres said that hate speech “is in itself an attack on tolerance, inclusion, diversity, and the very essence of our human rights norms and principles. More broadly, it undermines social cohesion, erodes shared values, and can lay the foundation for violence, setting back the cause of peace, stability, sustainable development, and the fulfillment of human rights for all.”
As the Internet develops, hate speech becomes a matter of increased concern. As a result, online hate speech is becoming a bigger issue in Saudi Arabia. Its spread is explained due to the reach of social media and how easily harmful messages are disseminated. In response to this phenomenon that has grown in recent years,?, a member institution of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) in Saudi Arabia, developed a project that aimed to inculcate a culture of countering hate speech.
As part of this, the??was a student social initiative to combat not only hate speech but also bullying and racism within society, considering its different forms, in addition to violent extremism. This was done by supporting positive social change and promoting coherent, inclusive, and tolerant messages. Through their own means, the students behind this initiative worked tirelessly to contribute to creating a global network that paves the way for a more cohesive society.?
The primary target audience was the youth of all genders, as this group is considered the most vulnerable concerning hate speech. The strategy in itself relied extensively on the use of well-known social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Using such platforms enabled to engage the public and spread awareness about the different campaign activities and educational messages, the goals being of the overall strategy, awareness, participation, and influence.
“This initiative carried out by our own students has, without doubt, contributed to raising society's awareness of the phenomenon of hatred and fighting it in all its forms,” explained Dr. Aiman Albarakati, the team’s mentor. “It has created a lot of positive changes,” added Abdullah Al-Salem, one of the students at Majmaah University. “It was a pleasure to be one of the participants in this wonderful initiative that illustrates the phenomenon of hatred while helping us to fight extremism,” commented another student, Rahaf Al-Judaya.?
Over a dozen virtual events like experts’ panels addressing hate speech in Saudi Arabia took place within the framework of this initiative, attracting more than 1,000 participants. Furthermore, a series of five dedicated podcasts had over 16,000 listeners, and around 3,000 people joined the initiative’s social media platforms. On Twitter alone, which is the most important social media platform in Saudi Arabia, the initiative had almost half a million impressions during the first half of 2021.
The campaign released several videos and flyers tailored to young students, not only from this institution of higher education but beyond campus, to deliver messages encouraging them to challenge harmful messages and instead advocate for inclusion and fact-checked information. Dr. Albarakati said the initiative also wanted to promote the?2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.?, in particular, calls for promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
To achieve the latter, countering hate speech should be a priority for the Member States and all stakeholders, including universities and colleges worldwide, given their significant impact and reach. “The consequences of ungoverned online hate can be tragic,” warned a??by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Online hate speech, he said, “can result in deleterious outcomes.”
