Statement on item 4 Regulating Internet Hate Speech: The role and responsibility of intergovernmental organizations, states, internet companies and social media platforms Dear Madam Chairperson, The recent tragic events in a number of European countries confirm the urgency and importance of the problem of identifying and suppressing hate speech. The situation is aggravated by the presence of interethnic conflicts in different parts of the world, the migration crisis in Europe, the strengthening of radical nationalism and the growth of neo-Nazi movements. We support the line pursued by Mr. F. de Varennes about the need to discuss these issues at the regional level. In this regard, we welcome the initiative of the Special Rapporteur to hold a series of regional forums ahead of the 13th session of the Forum. We take note of the results of the European Regional Forum held in September. We hope that the situation in a number of EU countries with the Russianspeaking minority, which for decades has been the object of hateful rhetoric in print and electronic media, on social networks, and in the speeches of politicians, especially in periods prior to elections, will be in the focus of the Special Rapporteur's attention. It is paradoxical that, in European countries, the terms “hate speech” or “incitement to hatred” are used only in relation to Russian and Russianlanguage electronic media to prohibit their activities, while completely ignoring the negative content in the Internet space in relation to the Russian population. The ease of accessibility of social networks, the blurring of boundaries in the online space and the ability to act anonymously have become the basis for the spread of hate speech on the Internet, including outside the jurisdiction of individual states. The reality of our days confirms that in a virtual environment clear rules of conduct are needed for all participants - states, media communities, Internet companies and users of social networks.