WCC NEWS: Dialogue focuses on protecting human rights through combatting hate speech

A dialogue on 12 March, titled “Protecting Human Rights through Countering Hate Speech and Promoting Interreligious Dialogue,” presented as a side event to the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, focused on protecting human rights through combatting hate speech and promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation. The gathering convened representatives from international organizations, diplomatic missions, religious leaders, and civil society to discuss practical approaches for responding to hate speech and fostering inclusive societies. 12 March 2026, the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations and International Organizations organised a side event during the 61st session of the Human Rights Council on “Protecting Human Rights through Countering Hate Speech and Promoting Interreligious Dialogue”. Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC 13 March 2026 The dialogue noted that hate speech is rapidly surging across the world, calling for effective measures by states, international organizations, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, and the event served as a catalyst for international cooperation against hate speech through the promotion of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. Participants shared recommendations and best practices among states and stakeholders on positive measures to counter hate speech. Peter Prove, World Council of Churches (WCC) director of international affairs, reflected that hate speech, discrimination, and violence are tragically part of daily life for far too many in WCC’s own member churches. “First, we must acknowledge that religious language and symbols are sometimes misused to legitimize hatred and violence,” Prove said. “Second, we must recognize the immense positive potential of religious leaders and actors to reverse these dynamics, uphold human dignity and help build resilient, inclusive societies.”  Prove highlighted the importance in this context of the “Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes” which was developed through broad consultations in which the WCC actively participated, convened by the UN Office on Genocide Prevention. Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro, acting secretary general of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), was among the other speakers in the event. He emphasized the pervasive impact of intolerance worldwide, stating, "Hate speech seeks to divide societies and weaken trust between communities. Our collective response must focus on dialogue, cooperation across sectors, and the promotion of fundamental values such as human dignity, solidarity, and mutual respect."  He highlighted KAICIID's Fellows Programme, which unites over 500 leaders across 100 countries and multiple religious traditions, as a proactive measure in building long-term relationships and resilience. The event also addressed the challenges posed by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, underscoring the necessity for strengthened cooperation among states, technology companies, civil society, religious leaders, and international organizations to combat misinformation that fuels conflict and breeds hate among communities. Photo gallery See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland