UN to launch Muscat plan of action to counter hate speech and help prevent atrocity crimes

The United Nations's spokesperson announced the Secretary-General will launch the Muscat plan of action at a 3 p.m. event in the Economic and Social Council, describing it as an initiative to counter hate speech and help prevent genocide and other atrocity crimes. The plan, the spokesperson said, highlights the role of traditional and indigenous peoples in promoting peace and strengthening social cohesion and results from a collaborative process led by the Sultanate of Oman together with the UN office on genocide prevention and the responsibility to protect and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, co-hosted by the Alliance of Civilizations.

The spokesperson said the Secretary-General is expected to stress that hate speech is a growing threat to peace and security and to call for a mix of education, protection for targeted people, and stronger action by governments and technology companies. The launch, the briefing noted, places emphasis on local- and community-led prevention as a complement to international efforts.

The Muscat plan aims to combine outreach, policy guidance and partnerships with traditional peacemakers; details about funding, specific program partners, and follow-up reporting were not specified in the briefing. The spokesperson said more information will be available at the event and online.