The UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG) would like to invite you to a webinar on "Lessons-identified from International Criminal Law". The session will focus on sharing experiences on judicial administration and case management with the anticipation of a potential future use to establish a sustainable accountability mechanism, or to assist in the process of reforming the national judiciary. This experience is transferable to tribunals, courts, any other form of accountability mechanism and peacekeeping missions.
Speakers: Judge Ivana Hrdličková, President of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, with remarks from Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, Under-Secretary-General/Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide.
Facilitated by: Mr. Martin Ejidike, Chief of Office, OSAPG.
Link to join the Meeting. If prompted, please enter the following info to join:
Webinar number: 2348 357 1515
Webinar password: UNLERN22!
Flyer invite with full details 
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"Lessons-identified from International Criminal Law"
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, 26 October 2022
Time: 9.00 AM EST
The UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect Supports a Project to Promote Mutual Trust Between the Malian Armed Forces and Communities in Douentza and Hairé, Mali.
In central Mali, the Malian Defence and Security Forces (MDSF) work to secure populations and restore stability to a region marked by the presence of radical armed groups exploiting long-standing cleavages between communities to incite intercommunal violence. With the rapid deterioration of security particularly in Douentza region, national authorities adopted a hardline militarist approach in response to the violent jihadist insurgency. However, in the face of inter-communal violence and based on a prejudiced notion of the ethnic composition of the radical armed groups, the MDSF were often perceived by some communities as biased in conducting their operations.
Lack of communication between the communities and the security forces perpetuated such existing perceptions and responses, and reinforced ingrained military reactions to security threats, which viewed communities with suspicion and fueled further civilian grievances and divisions. The cycle of mistrust thwarted collaboration and undermined peaceful and constructive relations between the security forces and the local population. In 2022, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, in collaboration with the Civil Affairs Division of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and an international NGO, International Alert, supported a project aimed at promoting mutual trust among the MDSF and the local population. The project supported several activities including civil-military dialogue sessions, joint local peace initiatives as well as microprojects fostering social cohesion between MSDF and the local population.
According to a recent assessment conducted by a joint MINUSMA mission, the project has effectively achieved its purpose by increasing awareness of the roles, rights and mutual responsibilities of the parties involved through the creation and facilitation of spaces for civil-military dialogue and by fostering collaborative relations between the uniformed forces and communities through joint small-scale initiatives. Among the most meaningful results has been the installation of MDSF checkpoints in three distinct locations within Boni village, as requested by civilians and implemented in parallel with civil-military dialogues held in March and April of this year -- ultimately strengthening security in the town. Other positive results include sporting and social events now held between the MDSF and the youth of Boni and Douentza, which would have been unthinkable prior to the project’s implementation. The project was unanimously lauded by both military and civilian beneficiaries as especially useful and satisfactory.
Picture after the project launch with the regional head of Douentza, May 2022
Picture of project launch, March 2022
Reflection workshop with participants, May 2022
Workshop on: Atrocity Crimes Prevention through Education in Southeast Asian Region – Secondary Education
From 16-18 September, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG), jointly with the Documentation Center for Cambodia organized a three-day workshop on atrocity crimes prevention through education.
The workshop brought together secondary level teachers and education officials from Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam with the purpose of strengthening their capacities on how to integrate atrocity prevention in education curricula. The workshop included presentations on key concepts and pedagogical tools and benefitted from the rich experience and knowledge of the participants on how this can be utilized in the region. This workshop was the last in a series of three training workshops organized jointly by OSAPG and DC Cam since 2021 and will result in the publication, later this year, of a teachers’ guidebook for integrating atrocity prevention through education in the Southeast Asia region.
The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, gave opening remarks at the workshop in which she welcomed the cooperation between her Office and DC Cam as well as the engagement and commitment of the participants throughout the process. She also reiterated the support of the Office in working with the participants in implementing the finalized guidebook.
United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect Convened Women to Develop Plan of Action for Women in Atrocity Prevention within Communities
Napoli - On 13-14 July, the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention of the Responsibility to Protect organised a two-day technical global consultation in Naples, Italy, with women from Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, and Europe, that resulted in a Plan of Action for Women in Preventing Atrocity Crimes within Communities. The consultation was organised with the support of the Italian Government. Participants included the Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Marina Sereni, the Minister of Women Affairs of Nigeria, Dame Pauline Tallen, as well as women active in sustaining peace and preventing atrocities in different contexts.
The prevention of atrocity crimes is a largely securitized and male dominated field. Women are often kept out of decision-making roles despite their knowledge, skills and experience. This is despite research having made the case for the importance of women’s full participation in all peace process efforts and several commitments at national, regional, and international levels. It is also well documented that group-based differences and inequalities increase the risk of atrocities in society. Hence, it can be plausibly argued that many atrocities, have their roots in the failure to develop effective frameworks for ensuring inclusion, a key factor of which is the absence of women in decision making roles. It is hence of paramount importance to systematically include women in atrocity prevention.
The Plan of Action entails actions that women can take to prevent atrocity crimes within the communities they operate, as well as actions that other stakeholders, including Governments, civil society and international organisations can implement to support the role of women in this regard. The recommendations in the Plan of Action focused on three main areas:
- Strengthen protection structures for women in atrocity crime contexts to contribute to atrocity prevention
- Strengthen and support the role of women, with technical know-how, and capacity building in preventing atrocity crimes and their incitement
- Provide knowledge-sharing opportunities
In line with the recommendations of the Plan of Action, a Global Network of Women in Atrocity Prevention within Communities was also established. The Plan of Action that was named after the city of Napoli will be launched at an event organised with the Permanent Mission of Italy in New York during the 77th session of the United Nations.
The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide visited Bosnia-Herzegovina to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide
On 9-12 July, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in events to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide.
During her visit, the Special Adviser participated in and delivered remarks at an International Conference on ‘Srebrenica Heroines: Marking the 27th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide through the experiences of women’. On 11 July, the Special Adviser also participated in the official ceremony at the Srebrenica Memorial Centre in Potočari to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
In her statement on the day, the Special Adviser expressed her solidarity with the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, some of whom are still missing, the survivors, and their families. She further expressed her concern over denialism and revisionism about past atrocity crimes, such as the Srebrenica genocide, including from the highest political levels. Noting that denialism and revisionism is not only painful, it is a direct barrier to reconciliation. She urged all leaders to address existing concerns, including on hate speech and expressed the UNs to continued support in promoting positive trust building initiatives to enhance reconciliation in the country.
During her visit the Special Adviser met with different stakeholders, including H.E Mr. Sefik Dzeferovic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms. Dunja Mijatovic, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, the President of the International Residual Mechanism for the Criminal Tribunals, Ms. Munira Subasic, President of the Movement of Mothers of Srebrenica as well as with members of the international community in Sarajevo and the UN Country Team.
Official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (9-12 July) - Press notice
(9 July 2022) The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, is in Bosnia and Herzegovina on an official visit from 9-12 July to participate in events to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide.
The visit builds on the Special Adviser’s previous visit to the country in June 2021 during which she met with senior government officials, civil society, victim’s groups and other interlocuters across the country.
During her visit, the Special Adviser will participate in and deliver remarks at an International Conference on ‘Srebrenica Heroines: Marking the 27th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide through the experiences of women’. The conference is being organized on 10 July in Srebrenica.
On 11 July, the Special Adviser will participate in the official ceremony at the Srebrenica Memorial Centre in Potočari to commemorate the victims of the genocide.
The Special Adviser will also hold meetings with different stakeholders during her visit.
Debate of the General Assembly on the responsibility to protect
(23-24 June 2022) “Make the prevention of atrocity crimes a living reality, not least for children and youth.” With these words, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Nderitu set the tone for the 2022 debate of the General Assembly on the responsibility to protect and the prevention of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, which took place on 23 and 24 June 2022. The debate was informed by the report of the Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect (A/76/844-S/2022/428) entitled ‘Responsibility to protect: prioritizing children and young people’. It was the first formal debate since the General Assembly’s decision to include the responsibility to protect in its annual agenda in resolution A/Res/75/277.
In her introductory remarks, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Nderitu highlighted the role of the General Assembly as the primary intergovernmental body to debate and advance the responsibility to protect. She acknowledged that important steps have been taken to establish and implement frameworks for early warning at the national, regional, and international level, but more remained to be done to make prevention a reality for all. Introducing the report of the Secretary-General, Special Adviser Nderitu drew attention to the grave impact of atrocity crimes on children. She called on Member States and other relevant actors to make protecting children and youth from atrocity crimes a priority.
During the debate, 61 Member States speaking on behalf of 91 Member States from all regions of the world took the floor, sending a strong signal of interest in for the agenda item. Most Member States welcomed the theme of this year’s report. Many expressed concerns over children and youth being disproportionately affected by atrocity crimes in both armed conflict and non-armed-conflict situations. Some Member States also highlighted the potential of youth as agents of change and the importance to include them in prevention efforts.
Member States also welcomed the opportunity to engage on the topic of the responsibility to protect more generally. Interventions covered a wide array of issues, ranging from the continued relevance of the responsibility to protect and the need to implement it, the responsibility of United Nations intergovernmental bodies in the prevention of atrocity crimes, and the importance of linking early warning with early response. Some Member States also highlighted the relevance of connecting the responsibility to protect with other mutually reinforcing and complementary United Nations agendas, such as the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development Agenda and Agenda 2030, the Sustaining Peace Agenda, the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda, and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
A number Member States voiced their continued concern over the scope, definition, and rules of application of the responsibility to protect and emphasized the centrality of State sovereignty. The Office of the Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect intends to hold further consultations with Member States in an effort to advance consensus.
This being the first debate since Mr. George Okoth-Obbo was appointed as Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, many Member States welcomed him and wished him success in the implementation of his mandate. Many also endorsed the work of the Special Advisers on the Prevention of Genocide and on the Responsibility to Protect as well as the work of the Office in advancing atrocity prevention.
Prevention Crucial in Upholding Principle of Responsibility to Protect Children, Youth, Speakers Tell General Assembly - Meetings Coverage
Member States’ commitment to uphold the responsibility to protect its populations, in particular children and youth, from crimes of atrocity, must be centred in prevention in order to make the principle a living reality, speakers stressed, as the General Assembly today held its first annual debate on the topic.
Read the meetings coverage notes >>
Violence, rhetoric, hate speech, drive atrocity crimes in Ukraine and beyond, Security Council hears
The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide briefed the Security Council on Tuesday, reinforcing concerns already voiced by other senior UN officials in the chamber, over “the heightened risks” of sexual violence, and trafficking, which are “significantly impacting women and children”, following the Russian invasion of 24 February.
Read the full article >>
General Assembly Holds Informal High-Level Event to Commemorate First International Day for Countering Hate Speech on 20 June
On 20 June 2022, the President of the General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, held an informal high-level event to commemorate the first International Day for Countering Hate Speech, as established by General Assembly resolution A/RES/75/309 on the “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in the fight against Hate Speech”. This milestone resolution was adopted by consensus on 21 July 2021.
Read the press release >>
Commemorating the first International Day for Countering Hate Speech, 18 June 2022 - Press release
(20 June 2022) Today the President of the General Assembly held an informal high-level event to commemorate the first International Day for Countering Hate Speech, as established by General Assembly resolution A/RES/75/309 on the "Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in the fight against Hate Speech". This milestone resolution was adopted by consensus on 21 July 2021.
On behalf of the UN Secretary-General, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and UN Focal Point on Hate Speech, Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, stressed that “hate speech is a danger to everyone and fighting it is a job for everyone”. Special Adviser Nderitu called Member Stated to commit and act to end hate speech by promoting respect for diversity and inclusion.
The President of the General Assembly, Mr. Abdulla Shahid, commended the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and urged its prompt implementation by Member States. The United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech was launched by the UN Secretary-General on 18 June 2019 and includes 13 commitments for action fully embedded in international human rights law, in particular the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and in line with Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
On the sideline of this commemorative event, the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UN and the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect organized, on 17 June, a high-level side event on the “Role of education to address the root causes of hate speech and advance inclusion, non-discrimination and peace”. Building on the recommendations of the Global Education Ministers Conference, convened by the UN Secretary-General on 26 October 2021, on the role of education as a tool to address and counter hate speech, the side event highlighted existing good practices and lessons learnt from Member States, the UN system and civil society.
In her opening remarks at the side event, Special Adviser Nderitu referred to the International Day as an important opportunity for the international community to reflect on the challenges posed by hate speech, including how this phenomenon undermines democratic values, social stability, peace, and the enjoyment of international human rights for everyone without discrimination. The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, highlighted the role of the Kingdom of Morocco in contributing to wider global efforts to address hate speech, including by upholding the principles of coexistence and integration as well as the teachings of moderate Islam.
The President of the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Abdulla Shahid, underlined the insidious effects of hate speech and reiterated the importance of collective responsibility to address this phenomenon and its impacts on communities. He also stressed the need to equip learners with knowledge and skills to counter hate speech online and offline and to teach the new generations to take responsibility for their online behavior.
Emphasizing the importance of focusing more on what people have in common rather than on what separates them, High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, stated that hate flourishes in ignorance, hence education must be used to tackle it.
In the same vein, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, Stefania Giannini, stressed the importance of placing education at the core of efforts to tackle hate speech. UNESCO is implementing programmes to support education systems, media, judiciary, and several others on tackling this phenomenon, she added. Assistant Secretary-General for OHCHR, Ilze Brands Kheris, highlighted that the UN Common Agenda refers to the need to tackle disinformation and hatred and that Member States have the responsibility to implement effective measures to tackle discrimination leading to hate speech. She also pointed at the role of education at the center of these prevention efforts where it can help all actors in society to identify biases and address root causes of hate.
The Director of Public Partnership Division of UNICEF, Ms. June Kunugi, stressed that hate speech is also a child rights issue as children are often more vulnerable to such content online and offline. She emphasized some of UNICEF’s good practices in this regard, including on fostering social cohesion in education. In her concluding remarks, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Melissa Fleming, who also moderated the event, presented a new multilingual campaign launched by the UN Department of Global Communications using the hashtag #NoToHate. The campaign targets youth audiences across globe with content to improve their understanding of hate speech, highlight individual responsibility and spur action.
International Day of Countering Hate Speech (18 June) - Press Conference
Press Conference by UN Special Adviser on Genocide, Ms. Alice Nderitu, ahead of the International Day of Countering Hate Speech (18 June)
Prevention engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Special Adviser Nderitu has included Bosnia and Herzegovina as one of her top priorities in the discharge of her prevention mandate. This is the first country she visited in her official capacity, from 13 to 23 June 2021, and she will conduct a new visit in July 2022. Her engagements in the country have included meetings with high-level government officials, representatives of victims’ associations – including in Srebrenica –, civic leaders and members of the diplomatic community. The Special Adviser has also visited grass-roots initiatives in various parts of the country.
The prioritization of Bosnia and Herzegovina is on account of what the Special Adviser considers as challenges in addressing trust and reconciliation deficits – including the persistence of glorification of war criminals, genocide denial and hate speech –; the continuation of a segregated educational system on a nationality/ethnic basis contributing to mistrust from the bottom-up, and the insufficient levels of international attention to the risks that are inherent to the absence of trust and to the insufficient levels of reconciliation.
The Special Adviser’s work in this country aims at advancing diplomatic efforts focused on promoting trust-building, prioritizing advocacy to address accountability gaps and denial of atrocity crimes; supporting inter-communal reconciliation initiatives; providing support to work aimed at countering hate speech; encouraging trust-building as a critical component of the education system; and continue advocating for the international community to prioritize and harmonize trust-building and reconciliation efforts.
Prioritization of the Western Balkan region
Beyond Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Special Adviser’s work in the region of the Western Balkans has included high-level visits to Serbia and Montenegro, both in November 2021, as well as continued provision of assistance to Resident Coordinators in the region on matters that are pertinent to her mandate, including development of United Nations plans of action on hate speech.
In her engagements in this region, the Special Adviser has emphasized the importance of United Nations prioritization of the trust-building and reconciliation agenda in the overall region, with attention to the specific dynamics in each of the countries and territories, from the national to the local. The Special Adviser has shared her concern about the ongoing environment of division and mistrust in the region, including increased dynamics of genocide and war crimes denial and increased polarization across ethnic and national identity lines, with limited space for peace champions.
Aiming at supporting the region in addressing these challenges, the Special Adviser has expressed her intention to support transitions justice efforts, promote positive stories led by ‘peace champions’ throughout the region – particularly women and youth activists –, and has also offered assistance to convene institutional actors promoting trust-building agendas for purposes of coordination. The Special Adviser has also expressed her support to efforts aimed at addressing long-term discrimination and hate speech against vulnerable minority groups.
OSAPG Webinar: “Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech on 23 May 2022
On 23 May, OSAPG organized a second webinar on the lead up to the International Day to Counter Hate Speech established in 2021 by General Assembly resolution 75/309 on “Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech”. This webinar focused on “The role of civil society in tackling hate speech”.
In her opening remarks, Special Adviser Nderitu underlined the important role of civil society in addressing hate speech as highlighted in the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech. Civil society, she stated, had in-depth knowledge of local contexts and preventative approaches that work best at local level. In addition, civil society had a key role in advocating for governments’ accountability towards their population. Hate speech along identity lines fed discrimination and atrocity crimes, she stated. For instance, in Myanmar, hate speech was used to de-humanize and led to violence against this group.
Claire Thomas, Deputy Director at Minority Rights Group, stressed that civil society is best positioned to preform cross-platform monitoring of hate speech. She added that governments have an important role in addressing hate speech but also advised caution in this regard to ensure compliance with international human rights norms and standards. Ms. Thomas advocated for a human rights approach to monitor hate speech online and encouraged users to report hate speech cases to social media companies to address the issue.
Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa, Special Advisor at ICT4Peace Foundation called for more people of color and from the Global South to be included in conversations on addressing hate speech. He underlined the complexity to deal with hate speech in country contexts where there is poor digital literacy and strong entrenched racism. Dr. Hattotuwa also uncovered the fact that data and algorithms are not enough to properly address hate speech but rather encouraged to opt for a granular contextual approach to tackle hate speech. Reflecting on the systemic nature of issues related to hate speech, he underlined the necessity to deal with the root causes and grievances that feed this phenomenon
Mr. Javier Pallero, Director of Policy & International Programs at Access Now, provided examples of interventions to address hate speech such as work to enhance data protection regulations, support to victims of hate speech and provision of digital rights expertise. He highlighted that in some circumstances governments may promote hate speech in order to consolidate power. He warned against using legislation or regulatory measures to deal with hate speech as they could result in human rights violations. Mr. Pallero encourage governments to improve partnership with social media companies to tackle hate speech.
Munich Security Conference – February 2022
From 18 to 20 February 2022, Special Adviser Nderitu attended the Munich Security Conference (MSC) at the invitation of the organizers of this event, including participation as panelist in a town hall discussion with a focus on transitional justice, under the title "Lost in transition: Challenges and Prospects of Accountability and Transitional Justice,"" which took place on 20 February.
In this town hall discussion, the Special Adviser reiterated well established positions in respect to the connections between accountability and prevention, the imperative of inclusivity for such processes to be sustainable and effective, as well as the importance of working across different levels, from the top State government level to the grassroots community level. This includes encouragement of strengthening national mechanisms for accountability as well as of advancing international justice as complementary to national efforts, particularly in countries where the risk of commission of atrocity crimes is most prevalent
These points were well received by the audience – which included victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide – and which encouraged our Office to continue prioritizing this approach.
Advancing accountability efforts (The Hague Conference)
Special Adviser Nderitu emphasized the connection between accountability and prevention at a High-Level Conference on “Obtaining justice and reparations for victims of genocide – Which mobilization for the European Union and the international community?” organized by the French Presidency of the European Union and which took place on 13 May in The Hague, The Netherlands.
The connection between accountability and prevention was made not only on account of absence of accountability as key indicator of risk of atrocity crimes, but also based on the Special Adviser’s conviction that accountability for allegations of commission of international crimes is instrumental for the prevention of recurrence in societies where such crimes have been committed. She also shared her strong belief that accountability is essential to advance trust-building and healing in such societies, which in themselves can constitute strong elements of resilience.
At the same time, in her engagements on this topic the Special Adviser shared her intention to work to empower communities to understand the elements that define genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity so that they can raise alerts when risks are present, work to prevent their occurrence, as well as document and preserve evidence potentially informing criminal accountability processes when allegations of commission of such crimes are presented. Such initiative could also include exchanges between representatives and societies where genocide has been committed, aimed at identifying lessons learned for prevention.
“The role of civil society in tackling hate speech”
The UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG) would like to invite you to a webinar on “The role of civil society in tackling hate speech”. The webinar will focus on the role of civil society to address and counter hate speech. The session will highlight good practices, challenges and opportunities in this regard. It will also provide examples of partnerships between civil society and other relevant actors to address hate speech and promote positive narratives. >
Speakers include: Ms. Claire Thomas, Deputy Director at Minority Rights Group, Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa, Special Advisor at ICT4Peace Foundation, Mr. Javier Pallero, Director of Policy & International Programs at Access Now.
This is the second of a series of three webinars on hate speech organized by OSAPG in the lead up to, and in preparation of, the first commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech established in June 2021 by General Assembly resolution A/RES/75/309 on “Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech.” The International Day will be celebrated for the first time on Monday, 20 June 2022. The webinars will feature guest speakers who will discuss and offer perspectives on different aspects of the hate speech phenomenon and raise public awareness on the importance of addressing and countering hate speech in line with international human rights standards.
 The role of civil society in tackling hate speech_23.05.jpg "The role of civil society in tackling hate speech")
“Contemporary trends and challenges in hate speech”
The UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG) would like to invite you to a webinar on “Contemporary trends and challenges in hate speech.” The webinar will focus on ideas and initiatives on how to identify hate speech, mitigate it online and offline, and what role different actors play in developing and applying effective countermeasures. The session provides an opportunity to evaluate recent policy initiatives and explore solutions for issues that are not yet adequately addressed.
Speakers include Fernand de Varennes, Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Iain Levine, Senior Human Rights Director at Meta, and Barbora Bukowska, Senior Director for Law and Policy at ARTICLE 19. The speakers will share their observations on contemporary trends and challenges in hate speech especially and how they impact contemporary societies.
This is the first of a series of three webinars on hate speech organized by OSAPG in the lead up to, and in preparation of, the first commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech established in June 2021 by General Assembly resolution A/RES/75/309 on “Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech.” The International Day will be celebrated for the first time on Monday, 20 June 2022. The webinars will feature guest speakers who will discuss and offer perspectives on different aspects of the hate speech phenomenon and raise public awareness on the importance of addressing and countering hate speech in line with international human rights standards.
Date: 16.05.2022
Time: 2:30pm EST
Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide's visit to Bangladesh
On 11-14 April the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide carried out an official visit to Bangladesh. The objective of her visit was to meet with the over one million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, who fled there as a result of the August 2017 violence against them in Rakhine State, Myanmar. During her visit, she also met with government officials, civil society representatives and religious leaders.
In her visit, the Special Adviser stressed the importance of supporting the Rohingya refugees while they are in Bangladesh with the necessary livelihood opportunities, education and skills training as a crucial step for their sustainable return in the future. She also emphasized the importance of supporting the host community who were the first to provide support to the refugees when they fled in 2017. In this regard, she emphasized the importance to promote dialogue between the refugees and host communities to avoid tension and harmful rhetoric between the communities.
She also stressed the importance of continuing to advocate for the safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, with equal rights, including to citizenship. She noted that all the refugees she met with expressed their strong desire to return home to Myanmar. For this to happen, accountability for the crimes committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar is crucial. It is also crucial to address the root causes of the violence against this community, to prevent such violence from occurring in the future.
At the end of her visit the Special Adviser issued a public statement, including a video message, highlighting her observations from the visit.
High-level Virtual Event: International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
Date: Thursday, 9 December
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (EST)
The event marks the 73rd anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
Panel discussion: ‘The voices of youth for a peaceful and inclusive world’
Addressing Hate Speech Through Education
Event Invitation (English | French | Spanish)
WHAT: A Multi-stakeholder Online Forum organized by UNESCO and OSAPG on addressing hate speech through education. It will bring together government representatives, renowned scholars, teachers/educators, youth and human rights experts, technology companies and artists, to unpack the role of education vis-à-vis the hate speech phenomenon.
WHO: United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and UNESCO
WHEN: 30 September 2021 – 1 October 2021
View Programme >>
View Press Release >>
Global Pledge for Action by Religious Actors and Faith-Based Organizations to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic in Collaboration with the United Nations
Virtual Event during the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
On 7 July 2021, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG), the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), with the co-sponsorship of the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Croatia, and Religions for Peace organized a virtual event during the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development around the Global Pledge for Action by Religious Actors and Faith-Based Organizations to Address the Covid-19 Pandemic. 109 participants joined the discussion, which based on the compilation of peer-to-peer learning snapshots, took stock of and advocated for further implementation of the Global Pledge for Action. Participants shared experiences of faith-based actors’ engagement at the grassroots level in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts, in particular hate speech and its ramifications. They also explored challenges and opportunities encountered so far in the implementation of the Global Pledge and options for further action and collaboration.
The purpose of the side event was to discuss the implementation of the Global Pledge for Action, which came as a response to the UN Secretary-general's global appeal to address COVID-19 related hate speech in May of 2020. To translate the Global Pledge for Action into specific actions for further collaboration and partnership between the UN and faith actors, OSAPG, UNAOC, and OHCHR organized 6 thematic webinars from December 2020 until May 2021. These webinars were peer-to-peer learning exchanges which focused on gender equality, COVID-19 related hate speech, the safeguarding of religious sites, the protection of religious or belief minorities, the prevention of atrocity crimes, and religious discourse, each within the frame of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 7 July 2021 virtual event opened a space for further discussion on best practices, challenges, and recommendations for implementing the Global Pledge for Action.
Participants discussed the key role of religious leaders in preserving humanity and making societies safer, more inclusive, resilient, and united, not only for places of worship but for the whole world. Religious leaders and actors serve as a primary source of support, comfort, guidance and social service for the societies and communities they serve. They have the ability to galvanize international and collective support, both in the fight against the pandemic as well in addressing and countering hate speech, discrimination and disinformation. It is key that religious leaders act collaboratively in a human rights-based approach and several participants stressed that the ‘Fez Plan of Action’ and the ’Faith for Rights’ provides that framework for everyone to work together.
Participants also noted that interfaith dialogue can help foster greater inclusivity and understanding. Non-theistic and atheistic believers as well as religious or belief minorities should also be included in conversations.
Moreover, they discussed the opportunity of COVID-19 recovery plans and process to build back better in the framework of the SDGs. Indeed, a key lesson of the pandemic was that “building back better” requires human rights and human rights mechanisms to be at the heart of the recovery.
In addition, participants highlighted the importance of continuing to engage with grassroots organizations and amplify their voices on the global stage. They also agreed that youth mobilization can fight perceptions and biases to promote acceptance and inclusion and stressed the role of women and women’s organizations in the COVID-19 context and their engagement with UN human rights mechanisms.
The implementation of the Global Pledge may contribute to building an inclusive and effective path to sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, in particular for the achievement of SDGs 10, 16 and 17, and ultimately to the prevention of atrocity crimes.
Intersessional Panel Discussion on the 15th Anniversary of the Responsibility to Protect
On 24 July 2020, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 44/14 on the 15th anniversary of the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, as enshrined in the 2005 World Summit Outcome. In this resolution, the Council decided to convene an intersessional panel discussion to mark this anniversary before its 47th session in June and July 2021.
The panel discussion was held on 11 May 2021 and consisted of an exchange of best practices on strengthening national policies and strategies to implement the responsibility to protect through national mechanisms and other stakeholders. Read more on the event here.
The United Nations Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, Karen Smith, gave opening remarks. Read the full transcript here.
Countering hate speech and fostering peaceful and inclusive communities in Pakistan: the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibilty to Protect joins hands with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan
The United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan organised a series of six webinars from 17-19 March 2021 on “Nurturing Peaceful, Respectful and Inclusive Societies in Pakistan: Seerat counters hate speech through decisive action”. The webinars provided an opportunity to focus on the role of education to combat hate speech and foster peace and inclusivity in Pakistan, using the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes, and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education and Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions as main policy frameworks.
Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Ms. Alice Warimu Nderitu, stressed that societies that accepted diversity and considered it as an asset, fostering inclusivity of all groups without discrimination, were more likely to be peaceful and stable from a human, social and economic perspective. She added that despite efforts made by many countries to achieve Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, the growing phenomenon of hate speech, including online, was threatening progress made in advancing peace and inclusivity globally. Emphasizing that the COVID-19 pandemic had compounded hate speech trends, the Special Adviser highlighted that too many times, minority groups or those who were perceived to be different were the targets and victims of hate speech and were scapegoated for challenges faced by communities or countries. Hate speech had also the potential to exacerbate underlying social and economic inequalities, aggravate drivers of violence, undermine social cohesion, trigger social unrest and violence and even be an indicator of the risk of atrocity crimes, she continued. Referring to the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, the Special Adviser Nderitu emphasized that combating hate speech was a multi-stakeholders endeavour. Governments, in particular, have an obligation to protect minorities.
The President of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Arif Alvi, opened the webinar stressing the importance of using forgiveness as a framework for building human relationships and continuing fighting for the equality of all human beings, independently on any identity factors. He also stated that hate speech should have no standing in Pakistan and that laws isolating communities ought to be repealled.
Speakers included national and international experts, practitioners and academic, as well as representatives of ethnic and religious minorities including Ba’hais, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus Kalasha, Parsis and Sikhs. The webinar also had a strong focus on Pakistani youth as agents of positive transformation to create and sustain real models of inclusive, peaceful, and respectful societies. A special role was played by women and young women, who represented most of the speakers. Special Adviser Nderitu called the Pakistani youth to be humanist, stand up against discrimination and hate, build inclusion, and embrace education and knowledge.
Ms. Nderitu announced that the series of webinars would result in a manual to counter hate speech and build peaceful and inclusive societies and pledged continued support to the Higher Education Commission to counter and adress hate speech and foster human dignity.
The virtual event was attended by some 200 people, including university students and faculty members from public and private universities in Pakistan.
For more information please contact: osapg@un.org.
CSW65: Strengthening women’s role front and center of atrocity prevention
On 18 March, the Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect organized a virtual side event as part of the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, “Strengthening women’s role front and center of atrocity prevention” alongside the UN Permanent Missions of Belgium, Canada, Uruguay and Botswana. Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, gave opening remarks and the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, Karen Smith, closed the session.
MEDIA ADVISORY: 65th Commission on the Status of Women
Strengthening women’s role front and centre of atrocity prevention
A virtual side event organized by the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, UN Women, the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the United Nations
WHAT: Virtual side-event
WHO: United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, UN Women, the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the United Nations.
WHEN: Thursday 18 March 2021, 11:30am – 1pm EST
REGISTRATION LINK: register here: https://forms.gle/BCSgynaumD95mCsW7
Media advisory in pdf format
On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the General Assembly’s unanimous adoption of the responsibility to protect (2005) and the 20th anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, the twelfth report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect, "Prioritizing prevention and strengthening response: women and the responsibility to protect " issued in July 2020, places a focus on gender equality and the various roles that women can play in supporting prevention of atrocity crimes (genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing) as well as their protection from the risk thereof.
As highlighted in the report, all four crimes and violations associated with the responsibility to protect can have a gendered impact. For example, widespread or systematic sexual violence may constitute atrocity crimes. Also, the indicators of risk can have gender dimension. For instance, gender-based hate speech, that is embedded in gendered stigmas and stereotypes, can be a precursor of incitement to violence both in peaceful and conflict contexts. Moreover, while in many parts of the world women are already displaying immense leadership in conflict and atrocity prevention, they often remain excluded and marginalized from many areas of decision making and face severe protection challenges.
Hence, to advance the effective implementation of the responsibility to protect and build synergies with the women, peace and security agenda, it is vital to recognize and strengthen women’s role front and centre of atrocity prevention and identify remaining obstacles thwarting women’s meaningful role and leadership in prevention.
Against this background, the Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, UN Women, and the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the United Nations will convene a virtual side event during the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Building on the recommendations of the 2020 report of the Secretary-General on the Responsibility to Protect, the event will provide a space to discuss key challenges and opportunities to enhance the protection of women and girls from atrocity crimes and to support women leadership in atrocity prevention at the local, national and regional level. Panellists will include high-level representatives as well as representatives of civil society, including women peacebuilders.
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For further information please contact:
Ms. Juliette Lehner: juliette.lehner@un.org
Ms. Thea Sanberg: thea.sandberg@un.org
For more information about the work and mandate of the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, please visit http://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/adviser/
Day of the Righteous 2021
Special Adviser Alice Wairimu Nderitu participated in an event on the occasion of the Day of the Righteous of Humanity. In her remarks, the Special Adviser honored Dag Hammarskjöld (1905-1961), UN Secretary-General Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Development Dialogues: Rethinking Solutions to Crisis in the Decade of Action
Preventing Atrocity Crimes: The Role of Countering and Addressing Hate Speech
The Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect hosted with UNDP an event to raise awareness about the importance of addressing and countering hate speech as a way to build societies resilient to the risk of violence, including violent extremism and atrocity crimes – genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It showcased several multi-stakeholder initiatives implemented by the UN and its partners in line with the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech . Civil society organizations in the field also presented their prevention initiatives, demonstrating how they are effectively combating hate speech at the grassroots level.
Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, and UNDP’s Assistant Administrator Asako Okai gave opening remarks. UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Fernand de Varennes, moderated a fruitful dialogue with participants from the UN and civil society organisations in the field working to address and counter hate speech.
Read Special Adviser Nderitu’s remarks here .
Rethinking Solutions to Crisis in the Decade of Action: High Level Event
Preventing Atrocity Crimes: The Role of Countering and Addressing Hate Speech
March 5th 2021
8:00-9:30am EST
RSVP here for the virtual event
The United Nations Development Programme and UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG) invite you to join a discussion featuring experience from UN and civil society partners from across different regions at the forefront of countering and addressing hate speech. This event is part of “UNDP Development dialogues: Rethinking solutions to crisis in the decade of action.”
In response to current alarming trends of growing xenophobia, racism and intolerance, violent misogyny, anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred around the world, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech on 18 June 2019. Hate speech is a menace to democratic values, social stability and peace. Tackling hate speech is also crucial to deepen progress across the United Nations agenda by helping to build societies resilient to the risk of violence including violent extremism and atrocity crimes - genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
As hate speech is one of the main indicators or risk factors of atrocity crimes, as outlined in the Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes , the UN has given a particular focus on addressing and countering hate speech and its root causes in fragile contexts. In this context, the event will stress the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to implement the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and the importance of focusing prevention initiatives at the grassroots. This includes by engaging with local civil society organizations to counter and address hate speech, as per the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes .
We hope this invitation will be of interest and look forward to hearing from you. For any question, please contact heesu.chung@undp.org and osapg@un.org.
Visit the event’s webpage here.
Mali: OSAPG support to MINUSMA’s intercommunal dialogues
In line with its mandate and as part of its prevention efforts in Mali, the United Nations Office of the Special Advisers on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG) in collaboration with the Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and a local NGO implementing partner, known as Imadel, developed grass-root led dialogues, aiming for a high-degree of ownership by the communities involved in achieving a sustainable reconciliation and conflict resolution. The Office supported five dialogues - one for each intercommunal conflict identified - which aimed to promote reconciliation through agreements and discussions addressing grievances, to reestablish communication between affected communities as well as to restore social cohesion and resilience. The five dialogues made significant progress in restoring communication between communities and social cohesion in areas deeply affected by violence along ethnic lines. Reestablishing relations by putting in place mechanisms to address future grievances is an important for the prevention of future violence and potential atrocity crimes. OSAPG will continue to support such efforts as it is crucial to continue to build on these efforts in order to stabilize the restored peace and expand these “islands” of restored intercommunal relations.
Read more here
High-Level Virtual Event: International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
Date: Wednesday, 9 December
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (EST)
RSVP: https://forms.gle/sQs1UoeqbAUzTLgV6
The event marks the 72nd anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
Panel discussion: UN 75: Lessons learned, opportunities and challenges of international justice, including criminal justice and reparations for victims of the crime of genocide
Secretary-General appoints Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu of Kenya as Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Alice Wairimu Nderitu of Kenya as Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. She succeeds Adama Dieng of Senegal, to whom the Secretary-General has expressed deep gratitude for his dedicated leadership and achievements. The Secretary-General also wishes to extend his appreciation to Navamanee Ratna (Pramila) Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, who has been serving as Acting Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide.
Ms. Nderitu has been a recognized voice in the field of peacebuilding and violence prevention, having led as mediator and senior adviser in reconciliation processes among communities in her country, Kenya, as well as in other African settings. She served as Commissioner of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission in Kenya (2009-2013) as well as Founding Member and co-Chair of the Uwiano Platform for Peace, a prevention agency linking early warning to early response in Kenya. She is also the founder of Community Voices for Peace and Pluralism, a network of African women professionals preventing, transforming and solving violent, ethnic, racial and religious conflicts worldwide.
Ms. Nderitu’s national experience includes serving as Director, Education for Social Justice at Fahamu (2007-2009), Head of Human Rights Education and Capacity-Building Programme for the Kenya National Human Rights Commission and its predecessor body the Standing Committee on Human Rights (1999-2007) as well as Researcher and Administrator, Kenya Prisons Services, Ministry of Home Affairs (1992-1999). She serves as Member of the Kenya National Committee on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity and all Forms of Discrimination, the African Union’s Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (Fem-Wise), and the Women Waging Peace Network.
Ms. Nderitu holds a Master of Armed Conflict and Peace Studies (2013) and a Bachelor of Arts, Literature and Philosophy (1990) from the University of Nairobi. She is a Transitional Justice Fellow, Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in South Africa. She is widely published and is the recipient of awards recognizing her commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts throughout Africa and innovative approach to mediation.
NEW: United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech: Detailed Guidance on Implementation for United Nations Field Presences
In September 2020, the OSAPG launched a Detailed Guidance on the Implementation of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech for field presences. The Detailed Guidance provides recommendations on how to implement the 13 commitments set out in the UN Strategy as well as options for action that the United Nations can take in field contexts, building on existing tools and programmes, as well as good practices from within the United Nations system and other partners. The Detailed Guidance is available here .
High-level virtual panel discussion: “Fifteen years of the Responsibility to Protect - a collective commitment to humanity”
Date: Wednesday, 7 October
Time: 09:00 am - 10:30 am (EST)
RSVP: https://forms.gle/xTvagFMv4xrDof116
Download Concept Note
Bringing together eminent experts involved in the development and implementation of the responsibility to protect from different regions of the world, this event will provide an opportunity to mark the significance of the historic adoption of the principle as well as to consider how we can best contribute to future efforts to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
The event will be moderated by the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, Ms. Karen Smith. Ms. Smith will invite the panelists to reflect on the progress achieved over the past fifteen years; on existing challenges in advancing the operationalization of the principle as well as on opportunities to overcome such challenges. Remarks will also be given by Pramila Patten, Acting Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention and Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Chef de Cabinet, Ambassador Tegan Brink on behalf of the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir.
Panelists:
- Mr. Jan Eliasson, former Deputy-Secretary-General of the United Nations and President of the 60th session of the General Assembly.
- Mr. Juan E. Mendez, Professor of Human Rights Law in Residence at WCL/American University and former Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
- Ms. Liberata Mulamula, former Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary of Tanzania and former Executive Secretary of International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
- Mr. Donald Deya, Chief Executive Officer of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) and Chair of the International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect (ICRtoP).
- Ms. Savita Pawnday, Deputy Executive Director of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect.
15th anniversary of the responsibility to protect
Fifteen years ago, the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity was unanimously adopted by all Heads of State and Government at the United Nations World Summit.
To mark this 15th anniversary, the Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect is launching a dedicated webpage with a focus on what the responsibility to protect is at its core and on why it is more relevant than ever to reaffirm the collective commitment to protect populations from atrocity crimes and prevent their incitement.
The dedicated webpage also clarifies existing misconceptions about the responsibility to protect and suggests key priorities for the future, including enhancing efforts to prevent; upholding justice and accountability; embracing multilateralism and defending global norms and standards.
Access the webpage here.
See a video statement with the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect
PRIORITIZING PREVENTION AND STRENGTHENING RESPONSE: WOMEN AND THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT
While the importance of gender equality and the participation of women across United Nations agendas has been made evident in recent years, the link with the responsibility to protect has been more implicit. The 2020 report of the Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect aims to address this gap by reflecting on the varied roles that women can play in supporting the prevention and protection of atrocity crimes.
The report outlines practical steps that can be taken by Member States, intergovernmental bodies and the United Nations system to strengthen gender equality and promote women's equal and meaningful participation, protection and rights. It begins by outlining the connection between gender equality and the effective implementation of the responsibility to protect. It goes on to emphasize the important role of women as actors for prevention. Lastly, the conclusions identify steps that can be taken to improve atrocity prevention and assessment at the national and regional levels. These include developing gender-specific indicators in national and regional early warning frameworks; implementing measures to address and counter gendered hate speech and incitement; increasing efforts to end impunity, including for sexual and gender-based atrocity crimes; and building capacity to increase the participation of women in political life, as mediators in peace processes, as well as to include the views of women in peace and security initiatives.
Read full report [Arabic] [Chinese] [English] [French] [Russian] [Spanish]
Read executive summary
Words Matter: A Crash Course on Stomping Out Hate Speech
Apply now:
Words Matter: a Crash Course in Stomping Out Hate Speech
In cooperation with the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG)
Online, 7-31 October 2020
Application deadline : 4 October 2020
Hate speech is a growing phenomenon across the world. As a manifestation of intolerance and hatred towards certain groups in society, hate speech is intertwined with hate crimes and discrimination, representing a threat to sustainable peace and social cohesion.
Because of the impact hate speech has both on victims and societies at large, it is of utmost importance to address and counter it in a comprehensive way, from the individual to the State level. Despite growing attention to hate speech, many still underestimate or do not fully grasp the consequences of it.
The course is intended for university and post-graduate students, PhD candidates, media and other professionals, including United Nations (UN) personnel, as well as anyone interested in gaining an understanding of hate speech, how it manifests itself and what tools are available to combat it.
Read more at UNICRI.
United Nations Guidance Note on Addressing and Countering COVID-19 related Hate Speech
On 11 May 2020, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide released a ‘Guidance Note on Addressing and Countering COVID-19 related Hate Speech (English | French )’. The guidance note follows the Secretary-General’s global appeal to address and counter hate speech on 8 May 2020 and builds on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech. It provides recommendations to Member States, civil society, media and other relevant stakeholders for addressing and countering COVID-19-related hate speech.
International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
On 9 December 2019, the Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to protect organized an event to mark the 71st anniversary of the adoption of the Genocide Convention and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
The event also served to open the exhibition entitled “Champions of Prevention”. The exhibition portrayed individuals and organizations across the world who have been assuming the responsibility to take positive action to promote a culture of peace and non-violence that includes the respect for diversity and non-discrimination, thus contributing to building resilient societies to the risk of genocide and other international crimes. Watch the event.
European Union grants more than $550,000 to the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect
United Nations, New York, 23 September 2019. The European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) has granted more than $ 550,000 to the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect.
This contribution supports the implementation of a project that aims to advance the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity (atrocity crimes) globally. With this grant, the European Commission supports multilateralism and stands firmly with the United Nations to prevent conflict and sustain peace.
Mrs. Hilde Hardeman, Head of the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments of the European Commission and Under-Secretary-General Adama Dieng, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, today signed an agreement in New York on this financial contribution.
The goal of this 18-month project is to develop and disseminate guidelines for practitioners on the prevention of atrocity crimes. This will entail the organization of an expert-level workshop and two high-level events, in Brussels and in New York to contribute to a broader atrocity prevention program.
During the signing of the agreement, Adama Dieng expressed the gratitude of his office to the European Union for “its strong support for the United Nations and multilateralism, which strengthens partnership and cooperation in early warning. He added that "this financial contribution from the EU to the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect will help prevent atrocity crimes and support the UN Secretary-General’s vision on prevention."
Video message by Adama Dieng, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide
The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, delivered opening remarks at an international conference on Stopping Genocide and Holocaust Denial, which took place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 20 June 2019. Special Adviser Dieng called on “all political leaders and all people in a position of influence, including religious leaders (…) to combat negative rhetoric and the glorification of war criminals with words of compassion and empathy toward the pain and suffering of their neighbors.” He also stressed the need to “take meaningful, concrete steps on the path toward greater tolerance, understanding and genuine trust-building” in the region.
Launch of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech
On 18 June, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which sets out strategic guidance for the UN system to address hate speech at the national and global level. It also includes ways the UN Secretariat can support the work of the Resident Coordinators in addressing and countering hate speech. Its objectives are twofold: first, to enhance UN efforts to address root causes and drivers of hate speech; and second, to enable effective UN responses to the impact of hate speech on societies.
Access the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech .
Read the news on the launch, or the article for UN staff only.
Watch the speech of the Secretary-General and the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide.
Watch the Secretary-General’s stakeout with news correspondents following the launch.
Secretary-General appoints Karen Smith of South Africa as Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Karen Smith of South Africa as his Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect. She will succeed Ivan Šimonović of Croatia to whom the Secretary-General is deeply grateful.
Ms. Smith will work under the overall guidance of Adama Dieng, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, to further the conceptual, political, institutional and operational development of the responsibility to protect concept, as set out by the General Assembly in paragraphs 138 and 139 of the 2005 World Summit Outcome document.
A lecturer of International Relations at the Institute for History at Leiden University, The Netherlands, Ms. Smith has a research focus on non-western contributions to International Relations theory, as well as on human rights, new global governance groupings and South Africa’s foreign policy within the context of regional and emerging powers.
She was previously an Associate Professor in International Relations at the University of Cape Town (2011-2017) and taught at the universities of Stellenbosch (2000-2010) and Western Cape (2003-2004), in South Africa. Between 2006 and 2007, she was the Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of South Africa.
Ms. Smith holds a PhD in International Relations from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She serves on the editorial boards of the journals Review of International Studies, Journal of African Union Studies, Foreign Policy Analysis and Rising Powers Quarterly.
Invitation for 70 Years of the Genocide Convention
Join us on 7 December at 11 am in the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the United Nations, New York, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
RSVP: https://bit.ly/2OKNTV2
VISIT OF SPECIAL ADVISER ON PREVENTION OF GENOCIDE TO EUROPE
On 16 October 2018, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, delivered a keynote speech to the 6th Meeting of the European Union High Level Group on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and other forms of Intolerance in Vienna, organized by Austria under this State’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In his speech, Special Adviser Dieng stressed his concerns that all over Europe, ultranationalist resurgence is legitimizing hatred, racism and violence. He alerted that the spread of inflammatory language in mainstream political discourse under the disguise of ‘populism’ has been connected to an increase in hate crimes and hate speech. Special Adviser Dieng called on all States to address and respond to this concerning dynamic as a matter of urgency.
On 20 October, Special Adviser Dieng briefed the 116th Plenary Session of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and held an exchange of views with its Member States. The Special Adviser committed to support the work of the Venice Commission in strengthening the protection of vulnerable populations, including ethnic and religious minorities, as well as in ensuring that State institutions respect the rule of law and the most basic human rights principles.
During his visit, the Special Adviser met government officials, members of the diplomatic community, civil society actors as well as United Nations colleagues.
Read here the keynote speech of the Special Adviser
Read an op-ed issued ahead of the Special Adviser’s visit:
https://diepresse.com/home/meinung/gastkommentar/5515019/Europas-systematische-Dehumanisierung?from=suche.intern.portal
https://nepszava.hu/3011699_europa-elvesziti-emberi-arcat
https://komentare.sme.sk/c/20934093/ako-sa-v-europe-zbavujeme-ludskosti.html
https://www.tt.com/ticker/14918603/uno-sonderberater-dieng-besorgt-ueber-europaeischen-rechtsruck
Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide calls for universal ratification of Genocide Convention
Genocide remains a “threat and a reality” in the 21st century, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday, in an appeal to States to do more to act on the “warning signs” that often precede grave violations of international law.
Read More >>
Watch the Panel Discussion on 70th Anniversary of Genocide Convention
ON RWANDA GENOCIDE ANNIVERSARY, UN LEADERS ASK: CAN WORLD MUSTER THE WILL TO PREVENT ATROCITIES?
As the world officially remembers the genocidal murder of 800,000 Rwandans in 1994, United Nations leaders warn that ethnic cleansing and mass atrocities continue to blight humanity and call for sharper action to prevent such wholesale violations. Read More >>
VISIT OF SPECIAL ADVISER ON PREVENTION OF GENOCIDE TO BANGLADESH
From 7-13 March 2018 the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide visited Bangladesh to assess the situation of the Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar following incidents of violence in October 2016 and August 2017. His visit focused on what lies ahead for the Rohingya population; how to ensure that the crimes committed against them are not repeated; and how to hold accountable those responsible for the crimes that have been documented. During his visit, the Special Adviser met government officials, the diplomatic community, civil society actors and United Nations colleagues, as well as refugees and members of the host community in Cox’s Bazar.
Read the statement of the Special Adviser
Read the news about the Special Adviser’s mission
Watch the news about the Special Adviser’s mission
Listen to the interview with the Special Adviser about his mission
Vienna meeting on implementation of Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes
From 12 to 15 February 2018, at the United Nations Office in Vienna, the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect organized a meeting to discuss the implementation of the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes. The meeting was attended by more than 200 people, including some 150 religious leaders and actors and over 50-Member States. The meeting resulted in the identification of short and medium-term priorities for implementation of the Plan of Action, including: the establishment of a Global Steering Committee and regional coordination committees; the development of a resource bank and of a Covenant that would highlight religious leaders’ moral responsibility to implement the Plan of Action; and the prioritization of initiatives with a focus on education.
Read: Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes
Watch the video about the meeting
VISIT OF SPECIAL ADVISER ON PREVENTION OF GENOCIDE TO WESTERN BALKANS
On 12 February, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide concluded a twelve-day visit to the region of the Western Balkans that included Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he explored existing challenges for reconciliation as well as opportunities to overcome them. He expressed concern at the presence of a number of factors that could lead to scenarios of further polarization unless serious and concerted efforts are taken to address them, primarily by political leaders but also by civil society actors and by the international community. Concerns include political polarization across identity lines and politicization of events in the past, including glorification of war criminals, contestation of court decisions and limited engagement in transitional justice and national reconciliation. He also expressed concern at the absence of shared narrative of events in the past and what he considered as limited political interest in promoting such understanding. In these four States, the Special Adviser met high level government officials, including cabinet members, heads of parliament and national prosecutors; religious leaders; representatives of civil society organizations; members of the diplomatic community, as well as United Nations colleagues.
Read the statement of the Special Adviser
Read the news about the Special Adviser’s mission
Launch of appeal for universal ratification of the Genocide Convention at 69th Anniversary of the Genocide Convention and International Day of the Victims of Genocide
On 8 December 2017 (in lieu of 9 December 2017), the Office of Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility Protect organised an event to mark the 69th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the Genocide Convention), as well as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. The event took place at the Trusteeship Council Chamber in the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, seized the opportunity to launch a one-year appeal for the universal ratification of the Genocide Convention by 9 December 2018, when the Convention will mark its 70th anniversary. As of today, a total of 149 States (including one non-member observer State) have ratified or acceded to the Genocide Convention. Another 45 United Nations Member States have yet to do so.
Read the Special Adviser key note speech launching the appeal.
Watch the event launching the appeal.
Read the UN News Centre story.
Implementing the Responsibility to Protect: Accountability for Prevention Report of the Secretary-General (Advanced Copy)
There is a gap between our stated commitment to the responsibility to protect and the daily reality confronted by populations exposed to the risk of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. To close this gap, we must ensure that the responsibility to protect is implemented in practice.
One of the principal ways in which we can do so is by strengthening accountability for the implementation of the responsibility to protect and by ensuring rigorous and open scrutiny of practice, based on agreed principles. Accountability ties authorities to their populations and individual States to the international community.
This report outlines practical steps that can be taken by Member States, intergovernmental bodies and the United Nations system to strengthen accountability for atrocity crimes prevention. It begins by outlining the relationship between the legal, moral and political responsibilities associated with the responsibility to protect and different forms of accountability. It goes on to identify steps that can be taken to strengthen accountability for atrocity crimes prevention at the national level, to enhance the role of intergovernmental bodies and to improve the accountability of the United Nations system to those it serves...
Read full report
INTERVIEW: Amid increased suffering, responsibility to protect all the more necessary – UN Special Adviser (UN News Centre)
24 March 2017 – In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the outcome of the World Summit in which it, inter alia, underscored that each individual State has the responsibility to protect its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
In addition to the State’s responsibility, the General Assembly also highlighted that the international community, too, has the responsibility to use appropriate means in accordance with Chapters VI and VIII of the UN Charter – the chapters dealing with peaceful settlement of disputes and regional arrangements – to help to protect populations from such crimes.
Within the UN system, the Secretary-General has designated a senior official to serve as his Special Adviser and to support both the organization and UN Member States in implementing the principle as well as in fulfilling the obligation.
The current Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect is Ivan Šimonović who assumed the office in October last year.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Šimonović served as the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, heading the New York office of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (July 2010 to September 2016). He has also published extensively in the fields of law and human rights.
UN News spoke with Mr. Šimonović on the progress made by the international community since the adoption of the principle of Responsibility to Protect, the challenges it is facing at the moment, and his role.
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Religious leaders deserve full support in quest for peace, says UN Adviser on Genocide Prevention (UN News Centre)
Religious leaders and faith-based organizations have a responsibility to contribute to peaceful societies and the international community must support these grassroots peacemakers in their daily activities, the United Nations official mandated to fight genocide today told an international meeting on religion...
Addressing the third annual symposium on ‘The Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs,’ now under way at UN Headquarters in New York, Adama Dieng, the UN Special Adviser for Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, said that religious leaders “have a responsibility to contribute to the building of peaceful, inclusive and cohesive societies that are resilient to conflict, violent extremism and atrocity crimes.”
The Office of Mr. Dieng is one of the sponsors of the symposium, along with the UN Inter-agency Task Force for Engagement with Faith-based Organizations and the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN. This year’s thematic focus is on just, inclusive and sustainable peace.
Mr. Dieng, who is currently in Doha participating in a meeting on the responsibility to protect, delivered his address via a video message. He said the primary responsibility for creating sustained peace lies with States, who must promote the values of diversity and manage diversity constructively – however, “collaboration” with religious leaders remains vital.
“They can reach out to and influence large numbers of people,” Mr. Dieng. He added that religious leaders “provide support during emergencies, respond to the needs of marginalized communities, as well as address grievances as soon as they emerge and advocate for the rights of their communities.”
Last year, the UN Security Council passed resolution 2282 (2016) , which calls for a comprehensive approach to transitional justice and accountability to consolidate peace, reduce poverty and prevent countries from relapsing into conflict.
In his video message, Mr. Dieng discussed his recent work with religious leaders on the Fez Plan of Action on the role of religious leaders and actors in preventing incitement to violence that could lead to atrocity crimes. The Plan was named after the Moroccan city where the first steps on a strategy on the role of religious leaders were taken in 2015.
According to Mr. Dieng, the Plan will be launched in New York during the first quarter of this year, followed by meetings on its implementation.
“Implementing the Fez Plan of Action will be a good starting point in enhancing religious actors’ engagement in the prevention of atrocity crimes, as well as enhancing collaboration among religious leaders, Member States and civil society to prevent incitement to violence,” he said.
Visit of Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide to South Sudan
The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide visited South Sudan from 7 to 11 November 2016 due to growing concern at developments there, including reports of violence targeting different ethnic groups. The aim of the visit was to carry out an assessment of the situation from the perspective of his mandate in order to better understand the landscape of ethnically-fuelled violence – including hate speech and incitement to violence – and the risk that this violence could lead to further atrocity crimes, including genocide...
The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide visited South Sudan from 7 to 11 November 2016 due to growing concern at developments there, including reports of violence targeting different ethnic groups. The aim of the visit was to carry out an assessment of the situation from the perspective of his mandate in order to better understand the landscape of ethnically-fuelled violence – including hate speech and incitement to violence – and the risk that this violence could lead to further atrocity crimes, including genocide.
He met with United Nations colleagues, senior government officials, civil society groups, religious leaders, community members and diplomatic representatives in Juba. He also visited a “protection of civilians” site in Juba and travelled to Yei town in Yei River State to meet with members of the community and government. Yei, which until recently had been spared the violence seen in other areas, has now been identified as a conflict “hot spot” with escalating violence against multiple tribal groups in Yei and in the Central Equatorian State, of which Yei River State is a part.
Following his visit he gave a media briefing and delivered a statement to the United Nations Security Council.
- Media Briefing by Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, on his visit to South Sudan (11 November 2016)
- Statement to the Security Council by Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, on his visit to South Sudan (17 November 2016)
- Video programme on the Special Adviser’s visit to South Sudan, produced by UNMISS
Speakers include Fernand de Varennes, Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Iain Levine, Senior Human Rights Director at Meta, and Barbora Bukowska, Senior Director for Law and Policy at ARTICLE 19. The speakers will share their observations on contemporary trends and challenges in hate speech especially and how they impact contemporary societies.
This is the first of a series of three webinars on hate speech organized by OSAPG in the lead up to, and in preparation of, the first commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech established in June 2021 by General Assembly resolution A/RES/75/309 on “Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech”. The International Day will be celebrated for the first time on Monday, 20 June 2022. The webinars will feature guest speakers who will discuss and offer perspectives on different aspects of the hate speech phenomenon and raise public awareness on the importance of addressing and countering hate speech in line with international human rights standards.
Date: 16.05.2022
Time: 2:30pm EST
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