The claim of preventing and suppressing hate speech and disinformation inextricably linked to the roots of contemporary international human rights discourse. Article 19(2) of ICCPR recognizes that everyone has the right to freedom of expression. However, freedom of expression can be limited on the grounds of hate speech and disinformation since they can cause harms to other human rights.
Accordingly, Ethiopia is under obligation by cumulatively looking at Article 13(2) of the FDRE constitution and Article 20(2) of ICCPR to confront any advocacy of national, racial and religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence by law.
Ethiopia has no comprehensive law regarding hate speech and disinformation though there are some provisions directly or indirectly related to them by analyzing the existing domestic laws. Hence, she has enacted hate speech and disinformation prevention and suppression proclamation No.1185/2020.
What is hate speech according to Ethiopian law? Under the law in Ethiopia, hate speech occurs when two conditions co-exist: 1. Deliberate incitement (English version says promote, which is less severe than incitement) of hatred, discrimination or violence; 2. Against a target group, a person or discernible group based on ethnicity, religion, race, gender, or disability. Accordingly, hate speech exists only when done knowingly. But violence is not a requirement: Under the law, if the two conditions exist, there is hate speech, regardless of whether the speech has or is likely to trigger public disturbances or violence against the target group.
How is hate speech manifested in the country? In order to answer this question, it is important to carefully digest the political and socio-economic profile of the country for over a half a century. Over the last several years, hate speech in social media in particular is manifested in the form of insults, disinformation, alarming wrong profiling of leaders of the country, defamation and counter defamation of particular ethnic groups and total and indiscriminate hatred on what the government is attempting to accomplish in the national development programs.
Hate speech in Ethiopia can originate from various social, political, and historical factors. Some of the key causes are mentioned below.
The country has undergone significant political changes in recent years, including the transition from authoritarian rule to a more open political system. Political competition and power struggles have intensified, particularly in the lead-up to elections, leading to inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech from politicians and their supporters.
The media, including traditional outlets and social media platforms, play a significant role in shaping public discourse and perceptions. Irresponsible reporting, sensationalism, and misinformation can contribute to the spread of hate speech and incitement to violence, particularly during times of political unrest or conflict.
Ethiopia has a complex history marked by ethnic tensions, political repression, and human rights abuses. Historical grievances, unresolved conflicts, and perceived injustices can fuel resentment and animosity between different ethnic and religious groups, providing fertile ground for hate speech and intergroup violence.
Socioeconomic disparities, including unequal access to resources, opportunities, and services, can exacerbate social tensions and grievances. Marginalized communities may feel marginalized or discriminated against, leading to feelings of resentment and hostility towards perceived oppressors or privileged groups.
Weak or inadequate legal frameworks to address hate speech and incitement to violence can embolden perpetrators and contribute to a culture of impunity. Ineffective enforcement of existing laws and lack of accountability for hate speech can further fuel intolerance and polarization.
Addressing hate speech in Ethiopia requires comprehensive strategies that address the underlying causes, including promoting social cohesion, strengthening legal frameworks, fostering media literacy, and promoting inclusive governance and dialogue. It also requires collective efforts from government institutions, civil society organizations, religious leaders, media outlets, and other stakeholders to promote tolerance, respect for diversity, and peaceful coexistence.
Hate speech proofing Ethiopia involves implementing strategies to prevent and address hate speech, discrimination, and violence based on ethnicity, religion, or other forms of identity.
It is also important to conduct extensive researches on the objective and content of hate speeches and spell out their political implication.
Freedom of speech is mostly recognized in the constitution of many democratic countries across the world but that does not allow the proliferation of hate speeches at all. However, such rights are being abused in countries like Ethiopia under the guise of democracy with no regard to the rule of law that needs to be enforced and respected by all citizens.
Implementing these strategies requires collaboration and coordination among government agencies, civil society organizations, religious institutions, community leaders, and other stakeholders. It also requires long-term commitment, sustained investment, and a multi-faceted approach to address the root causes of hate and promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and inclusion in Ethiopian society. This is of critical importance for the country and its people. It might take time to redress the derogatory consequences of hate speech but the attempt to stop it needs to begin today.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY SOLOMON DIBABA
The Ethiopian herald May 4/2024
