Iraq praises UN General Assembly decision to counter hate speech

BAGHDAD, July 26 — Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed on Wednesday a decision of the United Nations General Assembly regarding countering hate speech and insulting beliefs and religions.

The Ministry issued a statement which read:

“The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the decision of the United Nations General Assembly to promote dialogue and tolerance among religions and cultures in the face of hate speech. The decision was unanimously voted on during the UN General Assembly meeting held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

The Ministry emphasizes the importance of combating all forms of discrimination, xenophobia, and hate speech. It calls on all relevant parties, including states, to increase their efforts in tackling this phenomenon in accordance with international human rights law. Insulting any beliefs and religions can lead to polarization in societies and cause significant tensions, eventually resulting in expressions of contempt, inciting anger, and inciting discord among people, turning differences in beliefs into hatred and possibly violence.”