UNAMI Human Rights Office organizes a Dialogue on Countering Hate Speech in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Erbil, 8 April 2025 – The Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) organized a Dialogue on Countering Hate Speech in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The event was attended by 18 participants (five women and 13 men) representing the Kurdistan Regional Government, civil society, the Independent Human Rights Commission-KRI, and UNAMI Gender Unit. Noting the importance of addressing the issue of hate speech to promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, participants highlighted the need for a specific legislation as a legal measure to counter hate speech while ensuring the protection for freedom of expression. 

Discussions also focused on the role of media/social media, perspectives of ethnic and religious societal components and the importance of protecting women from hate speech particularly that targets women candidates during elections and women in the public sphere.  

The event offered an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and dialogue amongst key stakeholders to enhance collective efforts through legislative and policy measures to counter hate speech in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.