About the Statement

A written statement was issued by the Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR), in cooperation with a consultative organization, under document number A/HRC/57/NGO/58. The statement, submitted to the Human Rights Council at its 57th session (September–October 2024), focuses on combating discrimination and hate speech in digital media. It highlights the United Arab Emirates’ pioneering role in enacting legislation, supporting UN initiatives, and promoting a culture of tolerance and human coexistence, in the context of following up on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Statement Content

• The statement highlights the growing challenges related to racial discrimination and hate speech, particularly in the digital space.
• It reviews key UN efforts since 1979, including:
• The designation of March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
• Launch of the “Decade for People of African Descent 2015–2024”.
• The Durban conferences and evaluations of progress made since.

The Threat of Digital Discrimination and Hate Speech:

• The statement warns of:
• The rise of racial discrimination across digital platforms.
• Influencers exploiting racism as a tool for promotion.
• The use of artificial intelligence to reinforce racial bias.
• It references remarks by the UN Secretary-General in 2023 expressing concern about the escalation of these trends.

Call to the Human Rights Council:

• Intensify efforts to address discrimination in digital media.
• Activate accountability mechanisms to combat racist content and hate speech.
• Develop professional and ethical standards for reviewing digital content.
• Establish clear legal and regulatory frameworks for social media companies and digital platforms.

Highlighting the Role of the United Arab Emirates:

• National initiatives and legislation:
• Issuance of Federal Law No. 34 of 2023 on combating discrimination, racism, and extremism.
• Criminalization of insults to religions and sanctities, and incitement to hatred or division through any form of expression.
• International leadership: Sponsorship of the historic UN Security Council resolution on “Tolerance and International Peace and Security,” which links hate speech with armed conflict.
• Programs on coexistence and tolerance:
• Issuance of the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019.
• Establishment of the Ministry of Tolerance and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity.
• Launch of the National Tolerance Program.
• The Federal Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes, which criminalizes the spread of misinformation and racist content in digital spaces.

Significance of the Statement

• The statement offers a forward-looking approach that connects freedom of expression, technology, and the responsibility of digital platforms to protect human rights.
• It highlights the UAE as a leading model in combating institutional and technological discrimination.
• It reaffirms the need to develop an international framework to address hate speech in digital media and ensure protection for individuals and communities from its harmful impacts.