The United Nations team in Montenegro, on the occasion of celebrating December 10, International Human Rights Day, announced that freedom of speech is "the foundation of democracy, but not a justification for spreading hate speech."
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." Although seemingly simple and extremely clear, Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains elusive for many. Discrimination and other forms of violation of basic human rights continue to be a reality for many people around the world," they announced on the occasion.
They stated that respect for human rights is of fundamental importance for sustainable peace and inclusive development.
"That was the case in 1948, when the Universal Declaration was adopted, and the same is true today. In his Call to Action for Human Rights last year, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated that human rights are key to overcoming the causes and impacts of complex crises. of today, and for the construction of sustainable and safe societies," the announcement states.
They believe that every opinion and criticism is important, and that everyone deserves to express their views without fear, "but in accordance with international law, this freedom entails special obligations and responsibilities."
"Freedom of expression can be limited in accordance with the law if it is necessary to protect the rights of others. Here we are facing a challenge that is not unique to Montenegro, and that is hate speech. We are witnessing an increase in hate speech based on ethnicity, national identity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political or religious affiliation."
Hate speech, as they stated, is a phenomenon that "humiliates, dehumanizes, discriminates and excludes."
"Such a trend has increased cases of hate crimes. Hate speech can pose a serious threat to peaceful societies, as is often warned by the UN Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide, who leads the work of the United Nations in the fight against this phenomenon and who visited Montenegro in November ", the announcement states.
On the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, the United Nations team in Montenegro calls for "more, not less speech, precisely for the purpose of opposing hate speech as a challenge facing our societies."
"We call for a speech that shows full respect for humanity and the dignity of others. In addition, we appeal to leaders, both political and religious, but also all others who have influence, such as traditional and online media, to set a good example with their actions. We invite everyone to use essential freedom for what it truly means - to create free, open societies based on respect and in which everyone has the opportunity to participate, to make his or her voice heard and ultimately to contribute to a better life for all," he concludes. in the announcement.
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