Countries must combat Internet racism β UN independent expert
November 06, 2012: The surge in websites that promote hate speech and racism requires
States to implement measures to combat online extremism without curbing freedom of
speech, a United Nations independent expert said on Monday. βThe increase of extremist
hate websites, the use of the Internet and social media by extremist groups and individuals
to propagate hate speech and incite racial violence, and the increased number of incidents
of racist violence and crimes prompted by racist content on the Internet remain to
be addressed, despite the adoption of positive measures,β the Special Rapporteur on
Racism, Mutuma Ruteere, told the General Assembly in New York, during the presentation
of two reports, one on racism on the Internet and the other on extremist political
parties, movements and groups. In relation to his report on racism on the Internet,
Mr. Ruteere called for greater cooperation on this issue among governments, international
bodies, the private sector, civil society and local communities, and stressed that
a cohesive approach developed through dialogue is needed. However, the Special
Rapporteur emphasized that any measures taken to counter online racism should not
limit the right to freedom of expression and opinion and should comply with international
human rights law.