ECRI General Policy Recommendation N°15 on Combating Hate Speech

Hate speech is based on the unjustified assumption that a person or a group of persons are superior to others; it incites acts of violence or discrimination, thus undermining respect for minority groups and damaging social cohesion. In this recommendation, ECRI calls for speedy reactions by public figures to hate speech; promotion of self-regulation of media; raising awareness of the dangerous consequences of hate speech; withdrawing financial and other support from political parties that actively use hate speech; and criminalising its most extreme manifestations, while respecting freedom of expression. Anti-hate speech measures must be well-founded, proportionate, non-discriminatory, and not be misused to curb freedom of expression or assembly nor to suppress criticism of official policies, political opposition and religious beliefs.

Effective action against the use of hate speech requires

► Recognition of the fundamental importance of freedom  of expression, tolerance and respect for equal dignity; 

► Identification of the conditions conducive to the use of  hate speech and taking appropriate measures to remove them; 

► The involvement and commitment of a wide range of  private and non-governmental actors, public ones.

• Raise public awareness of the importance of respecting pluralism and of the dangers posed by hate speech

• Supporting all organisations to combat hate speech

• Provide support for self-regulation by public and private institutions, including educational institutions as a means of combating the use of hate speech