Manama: A delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain's parliamentary division, along with members of the General Secretariats of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, participated in a virtual seminar titled 'Digital challenges to peace, inclusion and human rights: The role of social media platforms in spreading hate speech and ways to counter it.'
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event was organised by the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief. The delegation was represented by the Chairperson and members of the Shura Council's human rights committee.
The seminar is part of a series of IPU-UN seminars aimed at exploring issues related to hate based on religion or belief. It seeks to equip parliamentarians with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to act against religious hatred in its various forms. Discussions covered international legal obligations of states, the balance between legislation that protects rights and laws that may unjustifiably restrict them, and potential non-legislative alternatives to counter religious hatred. Participants also examined the role of engaging religious actors in supporting human rights.
The series is designed to promote human rights, peace, and sustainable development, while addressing challenges to freedoms and inclusion. It also highlighted the role of parliamentarians in fostering social cohesion and building more inclusive, just, and peaceful societies through their public discourse and legislative responsibilities.