United Nations Information Centre

There is no space for hate in a peaceful future. Marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, June 18, we look at how UN Country Teams (UNCT) on the ground are at the forefront of combatting hate speech. Embedded in their national context and communities, UN entities are uniquely placed to support public spaces that are diverse, inclusive and safe. They work hand-in-hand with governments, civil society, youth groups, media and others to advance human rights and combat discrimination in all its forms.

Fake social media accounts spreading disinformation; a flood of hate messages against both Rohingya refugees and the UN; a local uprising against refugees arriving in Indonesia’s westernmost province of Aceh. This was the reality that we at the UN in Indonesia were confronted with, in the middle of November last year, when rickety boats filled with Rohingya refugees fleeing insecurity and overcrowding at refugee camps in Bangladesh started arriving on Indonesia’s shores.

In a calm neighborhood nestled between the busy streets of Mar Mikhael in Beirut, a heartwarming haven known as ‘Access Kitchen’ flourished. It is Lebanon’s first community kitchen led and run by a group of women with disabilities.

Patrícia Wanderlinde Alves, a teacher in Brazil, explains what moved her and her elementary school students in the municipality of Itajaí to reduce food waste, change consumption habits and inspire others to join the global fight against hunger.

Following the political instability and clashes which broke out in the small landlocked country of Burundi in East Africa in 2015, hundreds of thousands of people fled to nearby countries in search of safety and security.

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Beirut blast, UN Country Team in Lebanon with diplomatic corps observe a minute of silence to honor the victims.

You are dependent on your husband, or your parents, or your uncle, or other people. They may show some kindness, but often it is coupled with scorn. They see you as a burden. They take their frustration and anger out on you. They do not send you to school, for they say it is not worth it. They use cruel names to speak of you. They do not feed you enough. They hit you. They may have their way with you.  

On the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres reinforced his call for global solidarity. He urged combatants to lay down their arms and join in a global ceasefire. Across the globe, UN country teams covering 162 countries and territories are rallying their efforts, along with governments and partners, to combat COVID-19.

After six months of lockdown, the Namibian government ended travel restrictions and curfews, in light of a drop in new COVID-19 cases. But Namibia’s economy, which depends heavily on wildlife tourism, has taken a major hit during the period, and the future of the country’s wildlife reserves is far from certain.