International Organisation Resource

RECOMMENDATION No. R (97) 20 - HATE SPEECH

Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe • 1997

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Individual Resource

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Resource type

Recommendations, Resolutions, Decisions

Historic approaches concerned

Other Approaches

Historic period

No data

Countries or areas concerned

Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Southeastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Western Europe

Languages

English

Description

The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers issued Recommendation No. R (97) 20, focusing on combating hate speech while preserving freedom of expression. It calls on member states to refrain from making hate speech statements and establish a legal framework to balance freedom of expression and protection of human dignity. The recommendation emphasizes that interferences with freedom of expression should be narrowly defined and subject to judicial control. It also highlights the role of the media in addressing hate speech, emphasizing the need to distinguish between the responsibility of authors and the media in disseminating information and ideas. The document further underscores the importance of respecting journalistic freedoms and protecting reporting on racism, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism, ensuring compliance with European Convention on Human Rights standards.

Keywords

Council of Europe

Committee of Ministers

Hate Speech