Impact and prevention
A pandemic of hate
As early as May 2020, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres raised the alarm about the “tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scaremongering around the world” unleashed during the coronavirus pandemic. He then made a global appeal to address and counter the specific issue of COVID-19-related hate speech.
Released shortly after, the UN Guidance Note on Addressing and Countering COVID-19 related Hate Speech clarifies that this “encompasses a broad range of disparaging expressions against certain individuals and groups that has emerged or been exacerbated as a result of the new coronavirus disease outbreak – from scapegoating, stereotyping, stigmatization and the use of derogatory, misogynistic, racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic or antisemitic language”. This hateful content is often coupled with disinformation and misinformation about COVID-19 and disseminated through traditional and/or digital media.
During a global health crisis, when access to safe and reliable information can be a matter of life or death, the consequences of COVID-19-related hate speech can be disastrous for both targeted groups and society at large. Such hate speech can worsen pre-existing inequalities, intolerance and discrimination – especially towards minorities and/or foreigners. It may also expose those targeted to violence, social, political and economic exclusion, deepening the already disproportionate effects of the pandemic on underprivileged communities as a result. COVID-19-related hate speech and disinformation may also lead to division and social unrest at a time when unity and cohesion are more needed than ever. It is particularly dangerous when used by influential figures – like political and religious leaders – and/or when it is part of a coordinated effort to harm.
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“We must act now to strengthen the immunity of our societies against the virus of hate.”
— United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres,