Combating Hate Speech
Hate speech, whether online or offline, poses a threat to democracy and human rights. To address it constitutes an urgent challenge in all Council of Europe member States. This website provides an overview of the standards, monitoring efforts and cooperation programmes to prevent and combat hate speech of the Council of Europe and other key institutions across Europe.
What is hate speech and why is it a problem?
Hate speech is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon that has far-reaching and dangerous consequences for human rights, rule of law in democratic societies. Preventing and combating online hate speech poses specific challenges. Its persistence and impact have been documented by the monitoring bodies of the Council of Europe and other international agencies. Read more
Recommendation on Combating Hate Speech
The Recommendation outlines a comprehensive and multistakeholder approach to addressing hate speech within a Human Rights Framework. Adopted in 2022 by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe it provides guidance to implement a comprehensive and calibrated set of legal and non-legal measures. The recommendation is accompanied by explanatory memorandum. Read more
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