UN chief sounds alarm on rising hate speech, warns of genocide risks

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that hate speech poses a growing threat to global peace and security, urging governments, technology companies and community leaders to take coordinated action to prevent violence and atrocity crimes.

Speaking at UN Headquarters in New York during the launch of the Muscat Plan of Action, Guterres described hate speech as a dangerous force that can pave the way for genocide and mass violence.

“Hate speech divides communities, dehumanizes entire groups, and sets the stage for bloodshed,” he said. “It is also deliberate – and a core component in the playbook for virtually every genocide and atrocity crime.”

The Muscat Plan of Action was developed through a multi-stakeholder initiative led by the Sultanate of Oman, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (UNOSAPG), and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. The initiative emphasizes the role of traditional and Indigenous leaders in fostering peace, mediation and social cohesion.

Guterres stressed that breaking what he called an “outrageous cycle” requires education, support for victims of abuse, stronger action by governments and digital platforms, and greater involvement of local leaders who possess deep knowledge of community realities and enjoy public trust.

The Secretary-General noted that hate speech is spreading “faster than ever,” driven by largely unregulated online platforms and amplified by advances in artificial intelligence.

While states bear the primary responsibility for preventing genocide and atrocity crimes, he said all sectors of society must contribute. He outlined four priorities for member states: increasing accountability for digital platforms, strengthening local prevention and mediation capacities, promoting dialogue and social cohesion, and expanding cooperation between traditional, Indigenous and political leaders.

“Oman drafted this document based on decades of human connection and joint work,” said Mohamed bin Said Al Mamari. “It built this one stone at a time, based on its experience and coexistence and mutual trust.”

Guterres emphasized that efforts to combat hate speech must respect freedom of expression while addressing harmful content. “At the same time, freedom of expression must never be an excuse for harmful messages,” he said.

He pledged to continue advancing the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and the Global Principles for Information Integrity, concluding: “Together, we can build the inclusive, just and peaceful societies all people deserve.”

By Vafa Guliyeva