PFAA Denounces Hate Speech

20/6/2023

The Press Freedom Advocacy Association participated in a meeting organized by the Human Rights Office of the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Hate Speech.

After condemning dangerous hate speech in Iraq, the association reviewed the reasons and treatments to establish modern mechanisms to confront the rampant hate speech in Iraq, stressing the need to widen the thin line between freedom of expression and hate speech, to limit such speech aimed at undermining freedom of expression in some cases.

The association stressed the need to strengthen awareness programs for local media to differentiate between the two, to truly represent the fourth authority in the country.

The association also called for unifying local efforts to legislate laws against hate speech and deter its followers.

The association’s speech was concluded by Ms. Raya Faeq by the need to join efforts to legislate the right to information law, which helps to combat misinformation and hatred speech.

It is noteworthy that the meeting was attended by representatives of governmental agencies, the Media and Communications Commission, and civil society organizations working on the subject.