hate speech

United Nations, June 20, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for renewed efforts to counter the "toxic and destructive phenomenon" of hate speech, in a message to mark the second anniversary of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. "Hate speech is used to stoke fear and division, often for political gain, and at immense cost to communities and societies," he said on Monday. Guterres added that hate speech incites violence, exacerbates tensions, and impedes efforts to foster mediation and dialogue. It is one of the warning signs of genocide and other atrocity crimes, he said. The UN chief's message was…