International Day for Countering Hate Speech

16/06/2023

The 18th of June is the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. The purpose of the day is to highlight the proliferation of hate speech (including by new technologies of communication) and the harm that it causes to the individuals and groups targeted as well as societies at large. Hate speech can stoke fear and division, incite violence, and exacerbate tensions (often for political gain) and therefore, undermine the respect for human dignity, equality and peace.

First observed in 2022, the International Day builds on the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech launched in 2019. By observing the day, the United Nations invites governments, international organisations and individuals to hold initiatives that promote strategies that identify, address and counter hate speech.

The New South Wales Bar Association is committed to fostering fairness, equity and tolerance in a manner that reflects the social and cultural diversity within the legal profession and the communities we serve. More information about the Bar Association’s Diversity and Equity Policy is available here