In the face of escalating online hate speech and discrimination, Costa Rica stands defiant. With the backing of the United Nations, the nation is crafting Latin America’s inaugural strategy to counteract these disturbing trends, setting a precedent for policy-making in the region.
Unveiling Hidden Discrimination
Faustina Torres, a proud member of the Bribri indigenous community, underscores a sobering reality: “Costa Rican society does not sufficiently acknowledge the presence of indigenous peoples, subtly perpetuating discrimination and rendering these groups invisible.”
Setting the Ground for Change
Slated for a grand reveal by late 2023, this groundbreaking strategy is poised to not only address but actively combat the normalization of hate, violence, and discrimination pervasive in both public and digital arenas.
Costa Rican Communication Minister Jorge Rodríguez asserts, “The time is ripe for decisive intervention from the State and all societal stakeholders to navigate this formidable challenge.”
Real Threats in Virtual Spaces
While attempts to erode the societal fabric may manifest virtually, the associated threats are tangibly real and profoundly alarming. A UN study employing sophisticated artificial intelligence tools identified a staggering 1.4 million messages steeped in hate and discrimination circulating on Costa Rican social media platforms, marking a 255% surge since 2021.
UN Resident Coordinator in Costa Rica, Allegra Baiocchi, noted that the majority of hate-fueled content disproportionately targets women (especially those wielding leadership roles), addresses LGBTQ issues, or is directed towards migrants. The resulting atmosphere has left these individuals feeling increasingly vulnerable and hesitant to voice their opinions.
Crafting a Safe Digital Haven
In response to the UN’s call for urgent action, Costa Rica has heeded the plea, embarking on a mission to establish a secure and inclusive digital environment. This initiative not only serves its immediate populace but also acts as a potential blueprint for nations worldwide grappling with the menace of online hate.
A Multi-Faceted Strategy for Change
Costa Rica’s approach, meticulously aligned with the priorities set forth by the UN Secretary-General, is multifaceted. Spearheaded by a team of experts from both the UN and the Costa Rican Government, the strategy encompasses various elements ranging from assigning responsibilities and establishing new monitoring mechanisms to pinpointing specific areas necessitating action.
“This national strategy marks a significant stride in the right direction,” Baiocchi confidently states.
Concrete Steps Forward
Costa Rica has already set the wheels of change in motion with noteworthy initiatives. These include the release of a guide tackling digital violence against politically active women, the inception of an observatory focusing on hate speech in collaboration with the University of Costa Rica, the passage of legislation safeguarding women in politics, and a collaborative effort with the Lawyers Committee Association to study global hate speech laws and develop a comprehensive handbook for victims.
A Roadmap for Coexistence
Baiocchi emphasizes, “At its core, any endeavor addressing hate speech and discrimination is fundamentally about fostering respect and coexistence among individuals.” This sentiment resonates with the vision articulated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who is committed to eradicating hate speech in all its forms, both online and offline. Responding to the global rise in various forms of hatred and intolerance, Guterres launched the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech in 2019, recognizing the potential of unchecked hate speech to undermine peace, development, and human rights.
