On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily called on Libyans to “renew their commitment to eradicate this toxic phenomenon.”
In a tweet, Bathily stated, “Words should not be weaponised to incite discrimination, hostility, and violence if Libya is to have free, inclusive elections and achieve lasting peace and stability.”
The UN Envoy added, “In the past 12 years, hate speech has played a role in fanning the flames of war, escalating conflict in Libya, persecuting vulnerable communities in society, and even causing real harm, including death, enforced disappearances, and silencing civil society and human rights defenders.”
This renewed call for combating hate speech comes at a critical juncture in Libyan politics, and underscores the importance of creating a peaceful atmosphere conducive to democratic elections. It emphasises the shared responsibility of the Libyan people to work towards establishing lasting peace and stability.
Libya, a North African country rich in oil reserves, has been embroiled in conflict and political instability for several years. After the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011 following a violent rebellion supported by NATO, Libya has been in a state of flux marked by factional infighting and the emergence of extremist groups like IS.
Notably, Bathily is playing a crucial role in brokering peace talks and negotiations between these rival factions. His work aims to end the civil war, restore stability, and create the conditions necessary for free and fair elections.
Hate speech has become a significant concern in this context, as it often fuels conflict, stirs up violence, and exacerbates societal divisions. This has significant human rights implications and poses a substantial obstacle to peace building efforts in the country.
Bathily’s call to eliminate hate speech aligns with wider international efforts to establish lasting peace and stability in Libya. His statements underscore the need to foster a more respectful and inclusive public discourse, which is critical for the success of future democratic processes, such as free and fair elections.
