International Day for Countering Hate Speech
June 18
About International Day for Countering Hate Speech
The International Day for Countering Hate Speech takes place every year on 18 June. Established by the United Nations, the day calls on governments, organisations and individuals to identify, address and counter hate speech in all its forms, both online and offline. It promotes practical strategies for tackling hateful rhetoric while protecting freedom of expression.
What is the International Day for Countering Hate Speech?
The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is a United Nations observance dedicated to confronting the spread of discriminatory and hateful language across societies. It raises awareness of the harm caused by hate speech, which targets people on the basis of characteristics such as religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation or disability. The day is anchored in the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, and it encourages a coordinated response from states, civil society, technology companies, the media and ordinary citizens. Its central message is that countering hate speech is a shared responsibility that protects both human dignity and social cohesion.
When is the International Day for Countering Hate Speech?
The International Day for Countering Hate Speech falls on Thursday, 18 June 2026. It is observed annually on the same fixed date, so it does not move from year to year. The date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the launch of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which the Secretary-General introduced on 18 June 2019.
Why the International Day for Countering Hate Speech Matters
Hate speech is widely recognised by the United Nations as an early warning sign of violence, and it has been a precursor to atrocity crimes, including genocide, over the past 75 years. The rapid growth of social media and digital communication has allowed harmful narratives to spread further and faster than ever before, reaching vast audiences within minutes. When left unchallenged, hate speech can normalise discrimination, deepen divisions between communities and erode the trust that holds societies together. The day matters because it reminds everyone that words have consequences, and that countering hatred early, through education, dialogue and responsible communication, helps prevent it from escalating into real-world harm. Importantly, the UN approach insists on tackling hate speech while respecting the right to freedom of opinion and expression, recognising that censorship is not the answer.
How to Get Involved in the International Day for Countering Hate Speech
There are many ways for individuals, schools, workplaces and community groups to take part:
- Learn what hate speech is – Take time to understand how hate speech differs from lawful free expression, so you can recognise it accurately and respond responsibly.
- Challenge hate online – Report abusive content on social platforms and offer counter-speech that pushes back against harmful narratives without amplifying them.
- Promote media and digital literacy – Share resources that help people, especially young users, critically assess the information and rhetoric they encounter online.
- Host a discussion or workshop – Organise a session at your school, workplace or community centre exploring respect, inclusion and how to respond to hateful language.
- Support affected communities – Stand alongside groups who are frequently targeted by hate speech and amplify their voices and experiences.
- Lead by example – Model respectful communication in your own conversations, both in person and online, and call out hatred when you see it.
- Engage with official campaigns – Follow the UN’s #NoToHate campaign and share its educational materials to widen the reach of accurate, constructive messaging.
- Encourage policy and platform action – Support efforts by employers, schools and technology companies to adopt clear, fair policies on hateful conduct.
History of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech
The origins of the day lie in growing global concern about rising xenophobia, racism, intolerance, violent misogyny, antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred. In response, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech on 18 June 2019. The strategy set out 13 commitments for the UN system, built on a small number of guiding principles, with two core objectives: to address the root causes and drivers of hate speech, and to enable effective responses to its impact on societies.
Two years later, in July 2021, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/75/309 on promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech. This resolution formally proclaimed 18 June as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, choosing the date to mark the anniversary of the strategy’s launch. The resolution recognised the need to counter discrimination, xenophobia and hate speech, and called on all relevant actors, including states, to step up their efforts in line with international human rights law.
Since the first observance, the day has grown into a focal point for awareness-raising events, educational campaigns and partnerships around the world. The UN invites governments, international organisations, civil society groups and individuals to hold initiatives that identify, address and counter hate speech, with a continued emphasis on protecting freedom of expression throughout.
Noteworthy Facts About the International Day for Countering Hate Speech
- The day was proclaimed by UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/75/309, adopted in July 2021.
- 18 June was chosen because it is the anniversary of the launch of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech in 2019.
- The UN Strategy sets out 13 specific commitments for the United Nations system to address hate speech.
- The UN considers hate speech an early warning sign that can precede atrocity crimes, including genocide.
- The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide was designated as the UN focal point on hate speech.
- The UN’s awareness campaign on the issue uses the hashtag #NoToHate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Day for Countering Hate Speech?
It is a United Nations observance that raises awareness of the harm caused by hate speech and promotes strategies to identify, address and counter it, while protecting the right to freedom of expression.
When is the International Day for Countering Hate Speech in 2026?
It takes place on Thursday, 18 June 2026, and is observed on the same fixed date every year.
Who established the International Day for Countering Hate Speech?
The United Nations General Assembly established the day through resolution A/RES/75/309, adopted in July 2021, building on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech launched in 2019.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing the International Day for Countering Hate Speech with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #NoToHate and #CounteringHateSpeech2026 on social media. The more people who understand how to recognise and respond to hate speech, the bigger the impact.
Related Awareness Days
- International Day for Tolerance – A UN day promoting mutual respect and understanding between cultures and communities.
- International Day of Peace – An annual observance dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace within and among nations.
- World Refugee Day – A day honouring people forced to flee, who are often the targets of harmful rhetoric and discrimination.
Links
- Visit the official United Nations page for the International Day for Countering Hate Speech
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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