A/RES/79/316 GA

United Nations A/RES/79/316 General Assembly Distr.: General 2 July 2025 25-10889 (E) *2510889* Seventy-ninth session Agenda item 14 Culture of peace Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 30 June 2025 [without reference to a Main Committee (A/79/L.98)] 79/316. Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech The General Assembly, Reaffirming the commitment made by all Member States under the Charter of the United Nations to promote and encourage universal respect for and observance of all human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to, inter alia, religion or belief, Recalling article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1 article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 2 and other relevant human rights provisions, Recalling also its resolution 36/55 of 25 November 1981, by which it proclaimed the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, Noting with appreciation resolution 73/328 of 25 July 2019 on promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech and the subsequent resolution 75/309 of 21 July 2021, in which it proclaimed 18 June as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, to be observed annually, as well as the subsequent resolution 77/318 of 25 July 2023, Noting the adoption of the Security Council resolution 2686 (2023) of 14 June 2023 on tolerance and international peace and security that recognized that hate speech, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, related forms of intolerance, gender discrimination and acts of extremism can contribute to driving the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict, and undermine initiatives to address root causes _______________ 1 See resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex. 2 Resolution 217 A (III). A/RES/79/316 Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech 25-10889 2/7 of conflict and prevent and resolve conflict, as well as reconciliation, reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts, Recognizing the importance of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace,3 which serve as a basis for the international community, particularly the United Nations system, for the promotion of a culture of peace and non‑violence that benefits humanity, in particular future generations, Recalling the importance of committing to advance equitable and inclusive approaches to harnessing artificial intelligence benefits and mitigating risks in full respect of international law, including international human rights law, and taking into account other relevant frameworks such as the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 4 and taking note of the United Nations Global Principles for Information Integrity and the recommendations contained therein for urgent action to address risks posed by advances in artificial intelligence and to curb harm from the spread of hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, Recalling also that discrimination against human beings on the basis of religion or belief constitutes an affront to human dignity and undermines the enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and enunciated in detail in the International Covenants on Human Rights,5 Reaffirming the obligation of Member States to prohibit discrimination and violence, on the basis of religion or belief and to implement measures to guarantee the equal and effective protection of the law, Welcoming, in this regard, all international, regional and national initiatives, as well as efforts by religious and other leaders to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue, Reaffirming the positive role that the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart information can play in strengthening democracy and combating religious intolerance, and reaffirming further that the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities, in accordance with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Recalling article 20 (2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states that any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law, Recognizing the commitment of all religions to peace and the contribution that interreligious and intercultural dialogue among religions, groups and individuals, in particular religious leaders, can make towards an improved awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind, as well as to promoting and protecting universal human rights and fundamental freedoms, Strongly deploring all acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, as well as any such acts directed against their religious symbols, holy books, homes, businesses, properties, schools, cultural centres or places of _______________ 3 Resolutions 53/243 A and B. 4 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Records of the General Conference, Forty-first Session, Paris, 9–24 November 2021, vol. 1, Resolutions, annex VII. 5 Resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex. Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech A/RES/79/316 3/7 25-10889 worship, as well as all attacks on and in religious places, sites and shrines in violation of international law, Expressing concern at the growing manifestations of intolerance based on religion or belief, including in the digital context, which can generate hatred, discrimination and violence among individuals from and within different nations and which may have serious implications at the national, regional and international levels, and in this regard emphasizing the importance of respect for religious and cultural diversity, as well as interreligious, interfaith and intercultural dialogue aimed at promoting a culture of tolerance and respect among individuals, societies and nations, Noting with appreciation the efforts of the United Nations system in helping to counter the proliferation of hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, Noting the establishment of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, which contributes to the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, Expressing deep concern at all acts of hate speech that undermine the spirit of tolerance and respect for diversity, may lead to violations and abuses of human rights and constitute a serious common concern for all Member States, and convinced that there is no justification for hate speech, whatever be the motivation, Recognizing with deep concern the overall rise in instances of discrimination, intolerance and violence, regardless of the actors, directed against members of many religious and other communities in various parts of the world, including cases motivated by Islamophobia, antisemitism and Christianophobia and prejudices against persons of other religions or beliefs, Taking note of the appointment of the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations as the United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 78/264 of 15 March 2024 on measures to combat Islamophobia, Taking note also of the launch, on 17 January 2025, of the United Nations Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism, Expressing deep concern at the instances of intolerance and discrimination and acts of violence occurring in the world, including cases motivated by discrimination against persons belonging to religious minorities, in addition to the negative projection of the followers of religions and the enforcement of measures that specifically discriminate against persons on the basis of religion or belief, Highlighting the global concerns about the exponential spread and proliferation of hate speech, disinformation and misinformation, thereby increasing the need for the dissemination of factual, timely, targeted, clear, accessible, multilingual, accurate and science-based information, and emphasizing the need for all Member States to stand together to address the challenge of hate speech online and offline, disinformation and misinformation, Highlighting also that while technological advances have the potential to facilitate efforts to accelerate human progress as well as to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, their misuse has facilitated the spread of hate speech at historically unprecedented volume, velocity and virality, risking the integrity of the information ecosystem, Expressing concern about the spread of disinformation and misinformation, particularly on social media platforms, which may lead to the spread of hate speech and all forms of discrimination, A/RES/79/316 Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech 25-10889 4/7 Expressing deep concern about the growing misuse of artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies to generate, disseminate or amplify hate speech, including on social media platforms, through, inter alia, the use of artificial content, including images, videos and other forms of media, while also recognizing the potential of such technologies to detect and mitigate harmful content when developed and deployed safely, Recognizing efforts to enhance international governance of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity, based on international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and international human rights law, while also recognizing the need for a balanced, interoperable, inclusive and risk-based approach to the governance of artificial intelligence, with the full and equal representation of all countries, especially developing countries, Emphasizing that Member States, regional organizations, national human rights institutions, the private sector actors, including social media companies, non‑governmental organizations, religious bodies, the media, and civil society as a whole have an important role to play in promoting tolerance and respect, for religious and cultural diversity and in the universal promotion and protection of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, Recognizing the role played by many religious leaders and faith-based organizations, through speaking out against hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, expressing solidarity with those targeted by such expressions, and amplifying messages that serve to reduce discrimination and stigma, Recognizing also the leading role of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in promoting intercultural dialogue and their contribution to interreligious dialogue, as well as their activities related to the culture of peace and non‑violence and their focus on concrete actions at the global, regional and subregional levels, Noting the role of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, in the launch of the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, and as part of efforts to address and counter hate speech, Noting also the Rabat Plan of Action on the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence,6 Noting further the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes, also called the Fez Plan of Action, and the Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, Noting, in this regard, the outcome document adopted at the High-level Symposium on the Fifth Anniversary of the Fez Plan of Action, held in Fez, Kingdom of Morocco, on 20 and 21 July 2022, Recognizing that cultural diversity and the pursuit of cultural development by all peoples and nations are sources of mutual enrichment for the cultural life of humankind, 1. Recognizes the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and its valuable contribution to promoting social cohesion, peace and development, and calls upon Member States to consider, as appropriate and where applicable, interreligious and intercultural dialogue as an important tool in efforts aimed at _______________ 6 A/HRC/22/17/Add.4, appendix. Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech A/RES/79/316 5/7 25-10889 achieving peace and social stability and the full realization of internationally agreed development goals; 2. Recognizes that there is no universally agreed definition of hate speech, and in this regard stresses the importance of working on an intergovernmentally agreed definition of hate speech that can help in countering it, in accordance with international law; 3. Calls upon Member States to increase understanding about the spread and impact of hate speech, while continuing to adhere to relevant international human rights law obligations, as well as relevant United Nations instruments, in particular the Rabat Plan of Action; 4. Invites all Member States, organizations and agencies of the United Nations system, other international and regional organizations and civil society organizations, non‑governmental organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, individuals and other relevant stakeholders to observe the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, as appropriate, with the cost covered exclusively by voluntary contributions; 5. Invites all Member States to further promote the culture of peace to help to ensure peace and sustainable development, including through the celebration of the international, regional and national days in this regard and by mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity; 6. Condemns any advocacy of hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audiovisual or electronic media, social media or any other means; 7. Expresses its concern that incidents of racial and religious intolerance, discrimination and related violence, as well as of negative racial and religious stereotyping, continue to rise around the world, and condemns, in this context, any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, and urges States to take effective measures, consistent with their obligations under international human rights law, to address, counter and combat such incidents; 8. Emphasizes that freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of association are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing, and stresses the role that these rights can play in the fight against all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief; 9. Takes note of the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, in which it is proposed that the United Nations system establish and strengthen partnerships with new and traditional media to promote the values of tolerance, non‑discrimination, pluralism and freedom of opinion and expression, and to address hate speech narratives; 10. Encourages Member States to consider, as and where appropriate, initiatives that identify areas for practical action in all sectors and levels of society for the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, tolerance, understanding and cooperation; 11. Urges Member States to refrain from creating or disseminating false or misleading information, as well as from conducting or sponsoring domestic or information operations that wilfully spread hate speech, in ways that are contrary to their obligations under international law, and in this regard further urges them to take A/RES/79/316 Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech 25-10889 6/7 appropriate and proportionate measures to mitigate risks arising from hate speech, while stressing that responses to these challenges must be undertaken in accordance with international human rights law obligations; 12. Calls upon digital technology companies and developers to co-develop industry accountability frameworks, in consultation with Governments and other stakeholders, in their respective roles, that increase explainability and transparency around their data, systems and processes, define responsibilities and commit to standards as well as auditable public reports, including to mitigate the risks that artificial intelligence systems may pose in generating, disseminating and amplifying hate speech; 13. Also calls upon digital technology companies and developers to continue to develop solutions and publicly communicate actions to counter potential harms, including hate speech, bias and discrimination, from artificial intelligence-enabled content, including such measures as ensuring data integrity, incorporation of safeguards into artificial intelligence model training processes, identification of artificial intelligence-generated material, authenticity certification for content and origins, labelling, watermarking and other techniques; 14. Calls upon Member States to engage with all relevant stakeholders to promote the virtues of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, respect and acceptance of differences, tolerance, respect for diversity, peaceful coexistence and cohabitation, inclusion and respect for human rights, to reject the spread of hate speech, that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence; 15. Encourages all Member States and international organizations to generate public awareness about the dangers of intolerance and sectarian violence and to react with renewed commitment and action in support of the promotion of tolerance and human rights, and invites them to continue to pay attention to the importance of mutual cooperation, understanding and dialogue in ensuring the promotion of moderation and tolerance, and respect for human rights; 16. Notes with appreciation the ninth United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum, held in Fez, Kingdom of Morocco, on 22 and 23 November 2022 under the theme “Towards an alliance of peace: living together as one humanity”, that adopted the Fez Declaration, and focused, among other issues, on countering and addressing online hate speech on social media; 17. Also notes with appreciation the Cascais Declaration on the tenth United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum, on the theme “United in peace: restoring trust, reshaping the future – reflecting on two decades of dialogue for humanity”, held in Cascais, Portugal, from 25 to 27 November 2024; 18. Urges Member States and social media companies to take active measures to counter hate speech and address its increasing spread, enable research into measures to reduce it and promote users’ access to effective reporting channels, in a manner consistent with international human rights; 19. Recalls its request to the Secretary-General to convene, within existing resources, in 2025, a global conference on promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech that involves United Nations entities, Member States, political figures, religious leaders, faith-based organizations, media, civil society and other relevant stakeholders; 20. Encourages Member States to focus on promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, respect for diversity, and the elimination of discrimination based on religion or belief, while underlining the importance of education, culture, peace, tolerance, mutual understanding and human rights; Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech A/RES/79/316 7/7 25-10889 21. Invites Member States to support, in accordance with relevant international obligations, transparent and accessible systems to identify, track, collect data and analyse trends on hate speech, both in person and in digital contexts, at all national levels, as appropriate, to support effective responses; 22. Also invites Member States to further promote reconciliation to help ensure durable peace and sustainable development, and to encourage religious and community leaders to engage in intra- and interfaith dialogue to respond to incitement to violence, discrimination and hate speech; 23. Invites Member States and other relevant stakeholders to counter hate speech and disinformation directed at migrants, refugees, and stateless and displaced persons, including in digital spaces, by promoting intercultural dialogue, inclusive education and public awareness campaigns that highlight the positive contributions of migrants to host societies and foster mutual respect and understanding, in accordance with international human rights obligations; 24. Calls upon Member States, who have the primary responsibility to counter discrimination and hate speech, and all relevant actors, including political and religious leaders, to promote inclusion, unity, tolerance and mutual respect and to speak out and take strong action against racism, xenophobia, hate speech, violence and discrimination; 25. Welcomes the proclamation of the first week of February of every year as the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs; 26. Takes note of global efforts to support implementing the Secretary- General’s Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes, also called the Fez Plan of Action, the Secretary-General’s Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and the Secretary- General’s Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites; 27. Invites all Member States, the United Nations system, regional and non‑governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders to increase their understanding of the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes, also called the Fez Plan of Action, and the Plan of Action on Hate Speech, and other initiatives promoting tolerance and mutual understanding; 28. Requests the Secretary-General to submit, within existing resources, a report to the General Assembly at its eighty-first session, no later than April 2027, on the challenges and opportunities of the use of artificial intelligence in addressing, countering and combating hate speech. 81st plenary meeting 30 June 2025

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