At the United Nations, Pakistan has voiced serious concern over growing hate speech worldwide, and called for collective efforts to counter its manifestation such as Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia and incitement to violence.

Speaking at an event in connection with the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Deputy Permanent Representatives of Pakistan to the United Nations, Aamir Khan said hate is a threat to everyone, and combating it must be a collective effort.

Proposing the priority actions, the Pakistani envoy stressed the need for government interventions to domestically criminalize certain manifestations of hate speech, such as racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and incitement to violence.

He said hate speech is on the rise worldwide, with the potential to incite violence and undermine social cohesion and tolerance based on xenophobia, racism, Islamophobia, hatred and other forms of intolerance and discrimination.

The Pakistani envoy hoped that under the umbrella of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, bold actions will be taken to respond to intolerant, inflammatory and prejudiced narratives.

Source: Radio Pakistan