Methodological Guidelines on Hate Speech for Human Rights Organisations in Belarus

The issue of hate speech is receiving increasing attention in Belarusian society. At the same time, the term hate speech is used to cover a very broad range of phenomena: individual discriminatory phrases, insults and inappropriate terminology, images on social media, or entire journalistic pieces. Discrepancies are becoming more visible in how hate speech is defined and how it should be addressed.

This situation arises from the fact that hate speech can be studied from different perspectives: sociological, legal, cultural, linguistic and others. Moreover, within each of these approaches, the concept is interpreted differently. International and national law does not provide a clear definition of hate speech, nor are there any special conventions, resolutions, treaties or laws that fully clarify the term.

These guidelines will help stakeholders counter hate speech more effectively and in a more consolidated manner, while at the same time avoiding excessive restrictions on freedom of expression.

The recommendations will also be of use to a wider audience. They offer an overview of approaches to hate speech in international law, an analysis of the Belarusian legal context, as well as important recommendations and references.

As part of the preparation process, the organisation Journalists for Tolerance conducted a series of consultations with human rights organisations and initiatives of Belarusian civil society. This work culminated in the National Civil Society Consultation on Countering Hate Speech, which brought together more than 40 civil society organisations. The results of this broad and inclusive process became the foundation of the present brochure.

The development of these guidelines involved Human Constanta, the Belarusian Association of Journalists, the Belarusian Documentation Centre, Legal Initiative, the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, the Human Rights Centre Viasna, and the Human Rights Initiative Journalists for Tolerance.