OSCE media freedom representative and ambassadors address hate speech issues at Budapest conference

VIENNA, 3 April 2006 - Moderated by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, a panel of OSCE Ambassadors discussed hate speech definitions and practices, as well as issues that have emerged from the recent cartoon controversy, on 1 April in Budapest.

The event took place in the framework of a two-day international conference, entitled "Hate speech from the street to cyber-space: cases and policies in specific contexts," held at the Central European University.

In the panel, the Heads of delegations to the OSCE from France, Russia, Slovakia, Turkey and the United States were outlining their positions.

Ambassador Alexey Borodavkin of the Russian Federation underscored the responsibility of the media for striking a balance between reporting about terrorism, and avoiding to be a help of hate propaganda by terrorists.

French Ambassador Yves Doutriaux recalled the need to fight hate speech on the Internet both by government and civil society, and stressed the necessity to develop Internet literacy, especially among young users.

Ambassador Julie Finley of the U.S., while drawing attention to the evils that racial or religious hatred can impose on societies, illustrated her country's stance by stating that the U.S. fears censorship more than offensive speech.

Ambassador Yusuf Buluc of Turkey described the dangers tolerance was facing in the post-9/11 world, while pointed out the need that all communities in a society are given the same level of protection from potential harm.

Ambassador Peter Lizak of Slovakia presented his country's recent legislation on hate speech, and, speaking of the lessons of the 'cartoon crisis', highlighted the importance of respect between cultures.

The conference brought together academics as well as non-governmental organizations from all over the world. Issues addressed included hate speech crises in specific contexts, like those of the Middle East, or East Europe's, regarding hatred against Roma and Sinti communities; broadcast and online hate; and alternative policies instead of prosecution.

In the audience, several OSCE dignitaries followed and contributed to the debate. Among them, Ambassadors Lysander Migliaressis-Phocas and Marianne Berecz, respectively from the Greek and the Hungarian OSCE Missions, as well as Anastasia Crickley, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on combating racism, xenophobia, discrimination, also focusing in intolerance and discrimination against Christians and members of other religions.