Vietnam proposes raising awareness of online hate speech impacts

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Phuong Tra, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), on October 28 emphasised the need to raise public awareness of impacts from online hate speech in society.

A view of the UNSC meeting. (Photo: VNA)

Addressing an Arria-Formula Meeting on Hate Speech and Social Media of the UN Security Council, Tra said it is necessary to develop communication and education programmes to equip social media users with skills to assess contents and information on the internet.

Apart from addressing root causes like poverty and inequality as well as issues regarding transparency in governance, countries should review and build legal frameworks and policies on preventing incitement to hatred and strengthening national unity through dialogues and inclusive reconciliation, she suggested.

Tech firms that offer social media services and individuals also need to hold accountable for preventing and easing the risks of online hate speech, according to the Vietnamese representative.

Tra proposed the UN step up its partnerships with all relevant sides, including governments, regional and international organisations, the private sector and other relevant parties in this regard.

Vietnam always considers people the centre of development and consistently pursues a policy of equality, solidarity, and mutual respect and support for common progress, she noted.

All acts of discrimination and incitement to hatred and violence are banned in Vietnam, the diplomat said.

At the meeting, participating countries shared concerns over the abuse of social media to incite hatred and violence, and threaten peace and security, both nationally and internationally.

Governments should take the main responsibility, they said, stressing the significant role of tech firms and social media in preventing and reducing impacts of the problem, they said.

The delegates also proposed a number of measures to enhance coordination between countries and international organisations and tech firms in this field./.

VNA