Geneva International Centre for Justice Independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization Independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization
Search Donate

Videos and medias

Meezan and GICJ Condemn Social Media's Role in Genocidal Incitement and Advocate for Accountability

 

Intersessional Meeting for the 75th Anniversary of the Genocide Convention

4th December 2023

Panel 3: Role of Social Media platforms in responding to content that incites violence and discrimination

Statement of Meezaan Center for Human Rights

 

Delivered by Ayushi Shukla/ GICJ

Thank you, Mr. President,

Since 1946 and the Nuremberg prosecution of Julius Streicher for spreading venomous hate through a tabloid newspaper, we have known how words, twisted and vile, play a critical role in supporting violent military atrocities.

Fast forward to 2010, and in Myanmar, a social network became a tool for genocide. The military cranked up an online propaganda machine, pushing hate-filled messages aimed at destroying the social fabric that protected vulnerable minorities. Shortly after, we witnessed mass murders, rapes, and an exodus based on that campaign. Though some platforms face civil damages claims, that does not equate to accountability for helping to incite the targeted destruction of the Rohingya Muslim people.

The same continues today against Palestinians. As recognised by over 30 Special Rapporteurs, the devastated people of Gaza have been subject to “genocidal incitement”. All our social media feeds are filled with the product of mass disinformation, incendiary posts that dehumanise and undermine Palestinian’s absolute right to protection, alongside censorship of Palestinian voices sharing evidence bringing atrocities to light.

Social media companies should not be the sole arbiters of censoring content due to biases in moderation and proximity to governments applying undue pressure. Remember the words used by judges in Rwanda? "The power of the media to create and destroy fundamental human values comes with great responsibility." We need stronger sticks, stronger standards to hold accountable those who should bear responsibility for incitements.

Meezaan Center for Human Rights and the Geneva International Centre for Justice unequivocally condemn the weaponization of social media to incite violence against the Palestinian people. We call for accountability, urging global platforms to prioritise international standards and prevent the misuse of media as a tool for hate and persecution.

#GICJ #Geneva4Justice #GenevaInternationalCentreforJustice #HRC54 #HumanRights #IHL #nonstateactors #unitednations #geneva #justice #viral

 Meezan and GICJ Condemn Social Media's Role in Genocidal Incitement and Advocate for Accountability
Watch the video

 

Intersessional Meeting for the 75th Anniversary of the Genocide Convention

4th December 2023

Panel 3: Role of Social Media platforms in responding to content that incites violence and discrimination

Statement of Meezaan Center for Human Rights

 

Delivered by Ayushi Shukla/ GICJ

Thank you, Mr. President,

Since 1946 and the Nuremberg prosecution of Julius Streicher for spreading venomous hate through a tabloid newspaper, we have known how words, twisted and vile, play a critical role in supporting violent military atrocities.

Fast forward to 2010, and in Myanmar, a social network became a tool for genocide. The military cranked up an online propaganda machine, pushing hate-filled messages aimed at destroying the social fabric that protected vulnerable minorities. Shortly after, we witnessed mass murders, rapes, and an exodus based on that campaign. Though some platforms face civil damages claims, that does not equate to accountability for helping to incite the targeted destruction of the Rohingya Muslim people.

The same continues today against Palestinians. As recognised by over 30 Special Rapporteurs, the devastated people of Gaza have been subject to “genocidal incitement”. All our social media feeds are filled with the product of mass disinformation, incendiary posts that dehumanise and undermine Palestinian’s absolute right to protection, alongside censorship of Palestinian voices sharing evidence bringing atrocities to light.

Social media companies should not be the sole arbiters of censoring content due to biases in moderation and proximity to governments applying undue pressure. Remember the words used by judges in Rwanda? "The power of the media to create and destroy fundamental human values comes with great responsibility." We need stronger sticks, stronger standards to hold accountable those who should bear responsibility for incitements.

Meezaan Center for Human Rights and the Geneva International Centre for Justice unequivocally condemn the weaponization of social media to incite violence against the Palestinian people. We call for accountability, urging global platforms to prioritise international standards and prevent the misuse of media as a tool for hate and persecution.

#GICJ #Geneva4Justice #GenevaInternationalCentreforJustice #HRC54 #HumanRights #IHL #nonstateactors #unitednations #geneva #justice #viral

Details

GICJ Latest

GICJ Newsletter