HATE speech according to the United Nations (UN), refers to offensive discourse targeting a group of persons, or an individual based on inherent characteristics such as race, religion or gender that may threaten social peace.

With Guyana’s election period around the corner, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), with support from United Nations Guyana, and the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), hosted a “Countering Hate Speech Workshop”, on Tuesday, October 8, at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.

The workshop was said to be part of the broader, “Countering Hate Speech Campaign,” officially launched on June 18, 2024.

The workshop aimed to increase awareness and knowledge among traditional and non-traditional media practitioners regarding concepts relevant to hate speech through the work of the ERC and the GNBA.

Additionally, the session was expected to equip participants with the tools and strategies to combat hate speech and solicit suggestions to form part of an action plan to address hate speech, ahead of the 2025 general elections in Guyana.

The workshop also intended to bring together political commentators, disc jockeys, social media advisors, journalists and all persons who shape public opinion in Guyana to address critical issues that may arise as a result of hate speech locally.

Tuesday’s session explored the tools and knowledge to recognise, report and counter hate speech on all platforms.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the ERC, Shaikh Moeenul Hack said: “Today, we gather to effect meaningful change and strive towards the eradication of hate speech from our society. The ERC recognises the significance media practitioners play in disseminating information to the public. With that role comes great responsibility. This workshop aims to expand your understanding of hate speech within the unique context of Guyana, equipping you with the knowledge necessary to manage hate and challenge it effectively.”

The chairman noted that while Guyanese are proud that our society is largely harmonious, as we share in each other’s culture, we cannot overlook the challenges that persist in our society, such as racial and ethnic violations.

Since the inception of the workshop, the ERC has engaged in a number of online and offline initiatives, aimed at tackling hate speech in all forms.

UN Resident Coordinator (ag), Gerardo Noto related that each person present has a critical role to play as media practitioners in shaping public discourse, promoting inclusivity and safeguarding the values that unite Guyana as a society.

He highlighted that in today’s interconnected world, media platforms, whether traditional or digital, hold immense power to amplify messages that can either foster unity or drive division.

This he said, is especially relevant in an age where information is spread faster and farther than ever before, and where words, spoken or typed, can have a profound impact on individuals and communities alike.
“Hate speech, whether subtle or overt, has the potential to tear at the fabric of our society. It can incite violence, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and deepen divisions among different peoples and groups.

“Each of you as content creators and communicators, has the power to be part of the solution. By using your platforms and raising your voice, you may raise awareness, promote tolerance and challenge discrimination. You really can make a difference. You can help turn the tide against hate speech and foster a culture of respect, inclusion and dialogue,” Noto stated.

Meanwhile, Latchmie Rahamat, the Chairperson of the GNBA, in her remarks pointed out that the workshop is not only timely, but is important for all persons from different levels of the media, together with the constitutional and legislative monitoring bodies to come together to have this conversation.

Referencing Guyana’s national motto, she said it highlights the way our forefathers, at the time of our independence, intended for us to live. That is, in love and in unity.

Rahamat added, “It is unfortunate that hate speech is something that is a plague. It is a plague that is within our society in 2024 and it is everyone’s responsibility to do their individual part to stamp it out.”