Hate speech
Recommended measures (5)
14. Recalling its general recommendation No. 35 (2013) on combating racist hate speech, the Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Continue to publicly condemn and distance itself, including in online media, from racist hate speech by public figures, including politicians, and fully apply the relevant legislation and take measures to protect vulnerable affected groups.
(b) Ensure that all measures in the Strategy against Hate Speech are implemented, that all police districts give high priority to the investigation of hate speech and hate crimes and that there is proper coordination among the police, the prosecutor’s office and the courts in this regard.
(c) Effectively identify, register and investigate cases of racist hate speech or incitement to racial hatred and racially motivated violence and hate crimes, and prosecute and sanction those responsible, including politicians and media officials.
(d) Ensure the standardized collection and reporting of statistics on hate speech and hate crimes, including the number of reports, investigations, prosecutions and convictions.
(e) Establish guidelines for politicians regarding hate speech on social media.