–Minister Teixeira says, as ERC and UN Launch ‘Counter Hate Speech Campaign’

IN a collaborative effort to foster peace, tolerance, and understanding within Guyana’s diverse society, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the United Nations (UN) have launched the “Counter Hate Speech Campaign” at the National Library in Georgetown.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, underscored the significance of mutual respect regardless of ethnicity, religious beliefs or political affiliations.
She highlighted the pivotal role families play in instilling values and principles in children, emphasising that families are the first teachers in shaping respectful and tolerant individuals.

“When we talk about hate speech, we sometimes overlook that we are all equal regardless of our appearance, beliefs, origins, or gender. Human rights are rooted in equality and respect,” Minister Teixeira stated.
She stressed the importance of teaching children these values at home, irrespective of family structure, and criticised the overreliance on schools and government institutions for moral education.

“I do believe that the family is the place where values and principles are taught to children; I really do believe that. Too much of what I read in the papers sometimes is about [what the schools, government, and teachers should do. Yes, I believe that they play a role], but as families, we have a duty to ensure the children in our homes…are taught values and principles.”

Minister Teixeira called for a collective effort to build a society where respect and tolerance are foundational values. She acknowledged the use of aggressive language in parliamentary debates and urged sensitivity towards others’ feelings to avoid offence.

Addressing the ERC directly, Teixeira recommended that the commission explore the expressions and acceptance of hate speech within the country and specifically in parliament. She suggested that the ERC develop guidelines on what constitutes acceptable language for parliamentarians, recognising the impact of their words on the broader society.

Commending the ERC and the UN for their initiative, Minister Teixeira pointed out that hate speech encompasses various forms, including ethnicity, religion, gender, and disabilities. She expressed hope for a constructive and productive campaign.
“The scope for hate speech is very broad, and we tend to think of it as ethnicity, religion, and strangers amongst us, such as migrants; but it also includes women; the language and the comments about women are derogatory…we must not leave out the gender issues…and persons with disabilities have been at the brunt of much social commentary for a long time and many times cannot defend themselves,” she noted.

UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Yeşim Oruç, highlighted the pervasive challenge of hate speech, particularly on social media, and called for collective action against intolerance, prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes. She emphasised the importance of advancing human rights education and involving youth in democratic processes.
The “Counter Hate Speech Campaign” marks a significant step towards promoting a culture of respect and understanding in Guyana, addressing both public discourse and private interactions to combat hate speech in all its forms.