Hate speech is a form of expression through which someone publicly (in the media, on websites, in public spaces, at public gatherings, and in public in general) calls for violence and hatred against a group or individuals from that group on grounds such as nationality, ethnic origin, skin colour, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, health status, or any other characteristic.
Such spreading of intolerance toward other members of society based on their identity, social status, or membership in particular groups denies the fundamental principles of equality and equal rights upon which every democratic society is built.
Various forms of hate speech have a devastating effect on social cohesion and on the values of pluralism and tolerance toward others and those who are different. Hate speech acts as a social alarm bell, signalling an imbalance and hostility toward or between certain groups in society. By responding to that alarm, we can prevent further violence (or the escalation of violence) — hate crimes.
Hate speech also negatively affects freedom of speech, since hate speech is itself an abuse of freedom of speech — it violates the rights of others and is entirely incompatible with equality as a fundamental principle of life in a democratic society.
If you do not want to live in a society where hatred and intolerance are an acceptable basis for relations between people, your contribution matters too.
By submitting a report, you make your contribution to a tolerant and pluralistic society — one in which everyone has the right to human dignity and can freely enjoy all of their human rights, regardless of their personal characteristics. These principles are especially important in public communication, and it is the duty of all media to uphold them.