Hate speech is no longer confined to the margins of public life. The rise of digital platforms, AI and social media has accelerated the spread of hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, while anonymity and social media algorithms create digital echo chambers that reinforce polarizing views. The UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues found that around 70 percent of people targeted by online hate belong to minority groups, while a 2026 UN Women report found that 45 percent of women journalists and media workers self-censor on social media to avoid abuse. Beyond the psychological harm caused to individuals, hate speech weakens social cohesion, silences voices and discourages participation in public life. UNDP also recognizes hate speech as a major threat to democratic governance by deepening divisions and distorting elections.
On 18 June, the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, we are reminded of the urgent role that practical, locally-led solutions play in helping communities build trust and create safer digital spaces. Guided by the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, UNDP works with change-makers to translate global commitments into local action. Local champions, peacebuilders, journalists and young advocates—their everyday work builds the foundations for more peaceful societies.
Leading a new generation of online peacebuilders in the Philippines
Bai Rohaniza Sumndad Usman is a peace advocate and founder of the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement from the Philippines, who uses education, interfaith dialogue and community engagement to empower young people to be agents of peace. Through the UNDP-led CyberPeace Heroes Fellowship, supported by KAICIID, the European Union and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, young influencers and faith-based leaders gained skills in digital peacebuilding and media literacy, empowering them to lead conversations and community actions that promote empathy and inclusion, online and offline. The partnership also produced a toolkit to enable the replication of these efforts.
“Building a Culture of CyberPeace is the practice of seeing the human being behind the screen. Through this, we contribute to Digital Peacebuilding—transforming our online spaces into communities where compassion guides conversations, understanding bridges differences, and a culture of peace shapes how we respond to conflict.”
— Bai Rohaniza Sumndad‑Usman
Building safer digital spaces through youth action in Montenegro
Under the Joint UN Peacebuilding Fund Project, UNDP organized the Social Cohesion Innovation Lab to help citizens transform social cohesion challenges into concrete solutions. Based on the learnings from the Lab, Emilija Jukić from NGO Lea in Montenegro launched eTolerancija, a youth-focused initiative tackling cyberbullying, online hate speech and digital violence. The initiative combines workshops, peer discussions and “Living Books” sessions where young people hear from survivors of online abuse. Its innovative eDiary tool provides a safe space and an anonymous way for victims to share their experiences and access support. By equipping young people with practical tools and safe spaces for dialogue, the initiative helps foster a digital culture grounded in empathy, accountability and safety in Montenegro.
“eTolerancija has contributed to creating a safer and more supportive online environment, where dialogue and understanding are promoted instead of hate speech.”
— Emilija Jukić
READ MORE: https://www.undp.org/stories/breaking-cycle-community-led-action-against-hate-speech
