Commemorating the International Day for Countering Hate Speech and building a nation where human rights are respected and protected, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has said that hate speech is a violation of the human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination against others.
Dr. Ojukwu stated this during a round table discussion with Journalists and stakeholders on human rights based approach on Hate Speech held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, on Wednesday 18th 2025.
According to the ES, hate speech is not just a threat to individual dignity but a direct attack on democratic values and social cohesion.
Adding that it violates the rights to dignity of human person, the right to be free from discrimination, and the right to participate in public life without fear of suppression or violence.
Lamenting the rising spread of hate speech, Dr. Ojukwu stated that its challenges extend beyond traditional platforms, but has taken new and more dangerous forms through digital technologies powered by Artificial Intelligence.
In his words, he said: “The threat of hate speech is real, but so too is the power of solidarity, informed voices and ethical leadership for enjoyment of human rights dimensions of these emerging technologies”.
The NHRC boss urged everyone to remain vigilant, united to act online and offline in defence of dignity, truth and justice.
Speaking also at the event, Ms. Adwoa Kufuor, Senior Human Rights Adviser to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, said hate speech has turned into a business, and used as a weapon optimizer for a maximum impact.
According to her, the increase is seen in our communities, and conversations taking place across multiple places, but more apparent in social media.
Spark News Naija reports that the International Day for Countering Hate Speech is celebrated on 18th June. It was initiated in 2024.