A/HRC/46/58 (b) Highlight the primary responsibility of the State in preventing and combating hate speech on social media; (c) Emphasize the need to address most cases of hate speech, including on social media, which in most countries is directed against minorities, in the context of the full realization of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, association and participation; (d) Stress the importance of the inclusion of minorities and their representatives in policymaking and decision-making processes affecting them in the context of social media; (e) Reaffirm that everyone must have access to social media without risking being a victim of discrimination, racism, violence, hostility, intolerance, stigmatization, vilification and scapegoating, among others, while at the same time acknowledging that minorities tend to be the main victims. 5. The recommendations also recognize the important role that the United Nations, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, representatives of minorities, Internet companies, social media platforms and other stakeholders can have in preventing and combating hate speech against minorities on social media. 6. The present recommendations are intended to be implemented in countries across the world in order to assist States, Internet companies, social media platforms and other stakeholders to better understand their human rights obligations in relation to addressing hate speech on social media, while complying with the duties to ensure the prevention, protection and effective realization of the right to freedom of expression, and assist them in identifying approaches that fully respect universal human rights standards. II. General recommendations to address hate speech against minorities on social media using a human rights-based approach 7. States should ratify, accede to and adhere to all international and regional human rights instruments that protect and promote the rights of minorities, both offline and online. 8. States should effectively implement their obligations and responsibilities to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of minorities, both offline and online. States should pay particular attention to persons belonging to minorities that are in particular situations of vulnerability, risk or marginalization, including women; children; young people; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons; migrants; persons with disabilities; and human rights defenders who are subject to harassment, threats and intimidation. 9. States should promote equality and act against incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence, while fully respecting the freedom of opinion and expression and the right to privacy. Any regulations involving limitations on such freedoms should be firmly rooted in international human rights law. 10. States should act decisively, quickly and effectively to address and counter hate speech against minorities in online communications, including by swiftly and effectively investigating and prosecuting those responsible, holding them accountable and ensuring that victims have effective access to justice and remedy. 11. States and tech companies should ensure an open, secure and global Internet and inclusive access to the digital world. 12. States and international and regional organizations should establish rules and processes ensuring that anyone can participate in the digital world, promoting transparency on content moderation mechanisms. 13. Minorities themselves and civil society at large should be consulted and be involved in the shaping of laws, policies or programmes related to their rights online. 3