Op-Ed: Walking the Tightrope between Hate Speech and Freedom of Speech

Words and images can change lives for better or worse. Misusing them can violate others' rights to dignity, equality, and safety. This negative use of language is known as hate speech, which is not a new phenomenon, but its scale and impact are now amplified in the digital realm.

Given the lack of universally accepted definitions, it can be hard to assess when a comment crosses into hate speech. This is particularly challenging in an online context, where intentions and emotions behind remarks may be unclear. This ambiguity can be exploited by those in positions of privilege to label critics as engaging in "hate speech" in an attempt to undermine and silence dissent. In the face of this, UNESCO prioritizes the task of countering hate speech while still upholding the principle of freedom of expression.

Navigating the Value of Free Speech

There are good reasons to uphold respect for freedom of expression as the norm. The first significant reason is that free speech allows us to discover truths that shape our lives. Without the free exchange of ideas and beliefs, we risk becoming passive recipients of exciting ideologies or narratives pushed by the market and different institutions. This was particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic when the importance of open discourse in shaping effective public health strategies and debunking misinformation came to the fore.

Furthermore, free speech helps us acknowledge our mistakes and make better decisions by embracing diverse perspectives. However, within certain media spheres, a concerning trend has emerged that complicates this process. Specifically, when some journalists perceive their role as "educating" rather than reporting. This trend, although not representative of all journalists, in case where it occurs, it inadvertently suppresses differing opinions, inhibits critical thinking, and contributes to societal fragmentation, increasing polarization and mistrust.

The third reason to value free speech is its role in fostering social cohesion and stability, particularly in political scenarios like elections. When individuals feel that their legitimate views are welcomed and valued, it fosters a sense of inclusion and encourages active participation in the democratic process. On the other hand, when certain community groups find themselves excluded and unheard, it can result in their disengagement from the electoral process or rejection of its results. This disengagement can ultimately lead to a breakdown in societal harmony.

Countering Hate Speech for a More Inclusive Future

As highlighted by the Rabat Plan of Action and the United Nations, it's crucial to strike a balance between countering incitement to national, racial, or religious hatred, and upholding the principles of freedom of expression as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Amidst growing public discontent, countries like Jordan are striving to establish more inclusive and representative political structures. In this regard, Jordan has introduced constitutional amendments and conducted thorough reviews of election and party laws, creating opportunities for active political parties and greater participation of women and youth in politics. However, these advancements coincide with a concerning surge in online hate speech and disinformation, while posing unprecedented challenges for the upcoming general election in 2024. This underscores the need to address the harmful impact of hate speech while simultaneously promoting freedom of expression and access to public information, making it a paramount priority.

Given these challenges, women activists in Jordan are more likely to be targeted by hate campaigns, especially when they have intersecting identities. Women journalists and politicians, who face threats to their safety, often resort to practice self-censorship or withdraw from their professions and the political arena. This is why focusing on enhancing their digital protection skills to counter such attacks is also an urgent need.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of countries adopted legislations and policies against hate speech, a move that raised considerable concerns. UNESCO has signaled the potential risk in countries with broad and imprecise legislative frameworks governing freedom of expression, such as Jordan, and has steered the lead to avoid such measures that would unintentionally restrict the voices of human rights defenders, academics, journalists, and others.

In counteracting hate speech, UNESCO employs several strategies, such as education initiatives, positive speech campaigns, and research to understand and address root causes. They also promote inclusion and equal rights, support journalists to report and expose hate speech fearlessly, and help citizens recognize and respond to hate speech through media and information literacy.

As we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, established in 2019 and annually observed on 18th June, it’s crucial to not just acknowledge that hate speech is harmful, but also affirm that free speech is good and necessary.