Ms. Del Campo stressed that government officials have special duties vis a vis their public speech and that local legislation should reflect restrictions to public officials’ discriminatory speech. She also recommended to distinguish and regulate, according to article 19 conditions, speech within contexts that could be prone to spark hate speech, such as: political campaigning, electoral processes and crisis management. In this regard, states should generate and disseminate public information pertaining to minority groups, capable of informing and effectively countering discriminatory speech as they spike in certain contexts. Discussion Participants raised issues and presented initiatives, such as: - An explicit recognition of the relationship between the rights to freedom of expression, non-discrimination and equality as positive and mutually reinforcing rather than contentious is required. It was also mentioned that the clear distinctions between, and adequate implementation of, what constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence as opposed to other forms of hate speech is crucial to refrain from adopting measures that hinder minorities rights to dissent, to speak out, to challenge the structural obstacles that impair their recognition and the visibility of their interests. - Online hate speech against minorities and others necessitates a multi-stakeholder approach for the effective implementation of a comprehensive regulatory and policy framework. It was mentioned that OHCHR could contribute through providing technical assistance and capacity building to the States, including through providing a compilation of best practices and elements of a model legislation for preventing hate speech and ensuring accountability. It was also highlighted that minorities highly benefit from developing and owning their own media, thus avoiding marginalization and ensuring their voice in a pluralistic society. Item 4: Regulation of online hate speech: the role and responsibility of intergovernmental organizations, States, internet companies and social media platforms The Chair of the Forum stated that some progress has been made by States, Internet companies and social media platforms in addressing hate speech on social media, although more is needed in light of the scale and specific targeting, and therefore vulnerability, of minorities. Addressing hate speech implies keeping the scourge of hate speech from escalating into something more dangerous, particularly incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence against minorities. Participants were invited to provide examples of best practices by States to address online hate speech against minorities through both prevention and redress strategies, and to balance it with their obligation to protect the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The Chair further stated that the role of States, Internet companies and social media platforms is also important in the current circumstances of hate speech on social media against 14