Hate Speech
The division also looks to foster media and internet literacy throughout all member states, to raise awareness about hate speech and the risks it poses for democracy and individuals, to reduce the levels of acceptance of hate speech as well as to develop consensus on European policy instruments combating hate speech. Hate speech has no particular definition in international human rights; it is a term used to describe broad discourse that is extremely negative and constitutes a threat to social peace. According to the Committee of Ministers, hate speech is understood as all types of expression that incite, promote, spread or justify violence, hatred or discrimination against a person or group of persons, or that denigrates them, by reason of their real or attributed personal characteristics or status such as “race”,[2] colour, language, religion, nationality, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation. Along with the development of new forms of media, online hate speech has been brought about. Hate speech in the online space requires further reflection and action on the regulation and new ways for combating it.
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Combating Hate Speech - Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)16 and Explanatory Memorandum
Recommendation No. (97) 21 on the media and the promotion of a culture of tolerance
Recommendation No. (97) 20 on “hate speech”
ECRI General Policy Recommendation N°15 on Combating Hate Speech - adopted on 8 December 2015
"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression"
Art. 10 European Convention on Human Rights