A/HRC/26/49
67.
The Special Rapporteur is aware of the intrinsic limitations of technical
measures, but also of the risk that such measures lead to unintended
consequences that restrict human rights. Given the multitude of stakeholders
that may be involved in combating racism and incitement to racial hatred and
violence on the Internet and social media networks, including Governments,
private sector and civil society organizations at the national, regional and
international levels, the Special Rapporteur emphasizes the importance of
establishing clear responsibilities and roles for the different actors, and of
strengthening and institutionalizing dialogue and collaboration among them.
68.
In accordance with the provisions of the Durban Declaration and
Programme of Action and the Rabat Plan of Action, the Special Rapporteur
encourages States, civil society and individuals to use the opportunities provided
by the Internet and social media to counter the dissemination of ideas based on
racial superiority or hatred and to promote equality, non-discrimination and
respect for diversity. One possible way of countering racism on the Internet and
social media networks is through content diversification, in particular by
promoting local content and initiatives. Directing more local content to the
global network can contribute to greater understanding, tolerance and respect
for diversity and offer great potential for reducing information asymmetry and
misperceptions that feed racist and xenophobic sentiment.
69.
In the global digital network, the voices of victims of racial discrimination
most often remain absent because of their lack of access to the Internet and
social media, therefore often leaving racist ideas unchallenged. In this regard,
the Special Rapporteur reiterates that States and the private sector should
adopt effective and concrete policies and strategies to ensure that access is
widely available and affordable for all, on the basis of the principles of nondiscrimination of any kind, including on the grounds of race, colour, descent,
and ethnic or national origin. National human rights institutions should also be
encouraged to lead the development of these initiatives.
70.
The Special Rapporteur reminds States of the importance of recognizing
the fundamental role that education plays in combating racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in particular in promoting
the principles of tolerance and respect for ethnic, religious and cultural
diversity and preventing the proliferation of extremist racist and xenophobic
movements and propaganda. He therefore encourages them to use the unique
educational potential of the Internet and social media networks to combat
manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance in cyberspace.
71.
The Special Rapporteur notes the significance of educational and research
activities, such as studies on the possible consequences of the dissemination of
racist ideas, hate messages and incitement to racial hatred and violence on the
Internet and social media; research and analysis on the effectiveness of existing
legal, policy and technical measures; the development of educational
programmes and training materials for young people; the promotion of media
literacy programmes, including technical and textual Internet literacy; and the
development and implementation of educational concepts that counter the
spread of racist ideas, hate messages and incitement to racial hatred and
violence on the Internet and social media.
72.
The Special Rapporteur encourages all Internet service providers and
social media platforms to issue clear policies on combating racial and ethnic
incitement and hatred, and to include them in their term of service. Similarly,
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