UNiting Against Hate

Costa Rica is known for its strong democracy, pro-human rights stance, and deep respect of the rule of law, so it was a shock when the 2018 general elections ushered in an unprecedented polarization of Costa Rican society.This shift was accompanied by a sharp rise in hate speech and expressions of discrimination and xenophobia.In the last episode of this season of UNiting Against Hate, Katy Dartford looks at the ways that the country, with strong support from the UN, decided to confront the problem.Find out more about the UN's #NoToHate campaign here.Music: Backcomb, KetsaLike and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, to ensure you don’t miss an episode!

There is concern amongst human rights experts and activists that hate speech is becoming more prevalent, with views once perceived as fringe and extreme, moving into the mainstream.This episode of UNiting Against Hate features Tendayi Achiume, the outgoing UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, and Jaroslav Valůch, who is the project manager for fact-checking and news literacy, at Prague-based media development organization “Transitions”.Both express fears that online technology, especially social media platforms, are facilitating the spread of hate-based narratives, whilst acknowledging the technology can also be used to help tackle, and counter, hate speech.Find out more about the UN's #NoToHate campaign here.Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, to ensure you don’t miss an episode!Music: Backcomb, Ketsa

For years, Martina Mlinarević, a writer and journalist, and the ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Czech Republic, has detailed aspects of corruption in her country.She has faced threats and insults online, but when allowed a photo of her mastectomy scar to be published in a magazine, a first for Bosnia and Herzegovina, there was a furious backlash.Ms. Mlinarević told Katy Dartford about the impact this had on her, and her family.Find out more about the UN's #NoToHate campaign here.Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, to ensure you don’t miss an episode!Music: Backcomb, Ketsa

Edmund Yakani, one of South Sudan’s most prominent human rights defenders, has frequently been subject to intimidation and harassment.Mr. Yakani and other South Sudanese activists have called attention to how hate speech, both in-country and from the diaspora, is contributing to further violence in the world's newest country.In this episode, Katy Dartford speaks to Mr. Yakani about the ways that politicians use hate speech to their advantage, and his fears for the future of his country, if the problem is not addressed.Find out more about the UN's #NoToHate campaign here.Music: Backcomb, KetsaLike and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, to ensure you don’t miss an episode!

The devastating effect of hatred is sadly nothing new. However, its scale and impact are now amplified by new communications technologies. Hate speech – including online – has become one of the most common ways of spreading divisive rhetoric on a global scale, threatening peace around the world.In UNiting Against Hate, a new eight-part United Nations podcast, we will show how hate speech manifests itself in different parts of the world, showcasing the work of activists who are bringing about positive change.Music: Backcomb, Ketsa