It was not quite easy to reach a clear concept of hate speech because there is no international legal definition of hate speech. Where hate speech is defined and measured according to local standards and the context contained in it, considering all the details surrounding this context. In this context, UNESCO seeks an accurate and complex approach to ensure a balance between supporting freedom of expression in terms of people’s right to express their ideas and countering hate speech when it incites violence. Also, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression defends the right of people and media enterprises to express, which was shown in numerous previous publications that documented violations on this freedom
It was not quite easy to reach a clear concept of hate speech because there is no international legal definition of hate speech. Where hate speech is defined and measured according to local standards and the context contained in it, considering all the details surrounding this context. In this context, UNESCO seeks an accurate and complex approach to ensure a balance between supporting freedom of expression in terms of people’s right to express their ideas and countering hate speech when it incites violence. Also, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression defends the right of people and media enterprises to express, which was shown in numerous previous publications that documented violations on this freedom
The attempt to define the concept of hate speech was challenged with the possibility of violating freedom of expression, therefore; the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) is cautious about countering hate speech. At the same time, it rejects any violation of freedom of expression. UNESCO also defends the stand that sees the free flow of information and freedom of expression, as the rule and not the exception. The key distinction lies in the fact that article 20 provides for a specific legal response to such speech. This issue was also explored in human rights organization ARTICLE 19’s ‘2009’” The Camden Principles”, which present an advanced interpretation that avoids the potential conflict between freedom of expression, hate speech and incitement to violence.
The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, with the support of the United Nations Science, Education and Culture Organization (UNESCO), seeks to work side by side with Syrian institutions and media in order to develop local standards to be adopted in the future as a reference material on hate speech, and in order to reach a charter on combating hate speech with the participation of Syrian institutions and media outlets of different orientations, as this is of benefit to the Syrian society of all sects and the Syrian media alike.
The Annex (1), to read the Dictionary of hate speech terms:
Annex (2), to read the Hate Speech (Concepts and Legislations):
