NHRC issues warning against hate speech, identifies it as a threat to national unity

Dr Anthony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has emphasized the detrimental impact of hate speech on national cohesion, peace, and security. In an advisory opinion released in Abuja regarding the media’s role in countering and reporting hate speech, Ojukwu urged collective efforts to combat hate speeches prevalent in political, social, and cultural domains.

Recognizing the media’s role in upholding freedom of expression, Ojukwu stressed the importance of continuous support for the media in fulfilling their responsibilities. He called for a collaborative approach involving the media, government, and various stakeholders to address the issue of hate speech.

Ojukwu identified corruption, poverty, inequalities, and poor governance as underlying factors contributing to the propagation of hate speech. Emphasizing the severity of the issue, he stated that hate speech poses a significant threat to the realization of human rights, peace, and sustainable development in Nigeria.