The online conference titled Freedom of Expression, Hate Speech, and Religious Freedom: A Human Rights Perspective was held on December 8–9, 2022, and was organized by the UNEQUAL World Research Center, IPSEC, and UN Liaison Office for IRLA and SDA. The conference’s first edition was scheduled to take place around World Genocide Commemoration Day and brought together representatives from various fields with a significant influence on their societies.
Hate speech is an ongoing problem in all societies, both online and offline. As history has shown, atrocity crimes are sparked by hate speech. A growing trend of hatred and intolerance toward people who are perceived as different increases the potential to incite violence and severe human rights violations. Ethnic and religious minorities, migrants, refugees, and others who are perceived as unwelcome are often targets of hate speech and discrimination.
The main purpose of this conference was to discuss the impact of hate speech on vulnerable groups and the significance of freedom of expression and religious freedom as fundamental components in building peaceful and respectful communities. The conference brought together top researchers, religious leaders, speakers from international organizations, and academics from diverse cultural, religious, and political backgrounds from all around the world to share their experiences and exchange their research results on these current topics that impact our daily lives.
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS – December 2022
The accepted abstracts for presentation will be published in the Book of Abstracts with ISBN 978-1-945298-50-9. The abstract must be submitted and presented in English. The abstract must be between 250 and 300 words indicating the research’s purpose/significance, methods, findings, and conclusions. The reviewing process does not include the correction of grammatical errors. Notification of acceptance/rejection will be sent to you by email one week after receiving your abstract.
CONFERENCE TOPICS
Freedom of Expression, Religious Freedom, Hate Speech, Human Rights, Social Justice, Human Development, Pluralist Society, Faith and Development, Legal Studies, Diversity and Equality Studies, Migration and Refugee, Ethnicity, Racial Justice, History, Diplomacy Studies, Politics and Mass Media, Information and Communication Technologies, Multiculturalism, Education, Forms of Government, Legal Studies, Social Media and Internet Communication, Demography, Peace and Conflict Studies, Artificial Intelligence, Globalism, Sustainability Science, Education, Cultural and Spiritual Development, Multiculturalism, and any other topic related to hate speech, religious freedom and freedom of expression.
SPEAKERS
FUTURE CONFERENCE
Religious freedom contributes substantially to harmonious social cohesion and can be a major pillar for effective international relations and irreplaceable for national and international peace. To mark the 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we invite participants to contribute to the topic Universal Human Rights Declaration and Religious Freedom – 75 Years of History of Promoting Freedoms. This international conference is scheduled around the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. (Further information will be provided later on). The event is organized by the UNEQUAL World Research Center, IPSEC, and UN Liaison Office for IRLA and SDA. The conference aims to bring together researchers, speakers from international organizations, religious leaders, and diplomats to share views and experiences as well as to discuss trends, concerns, and challenges related to the Universal Human Rights Declaration and Religious Freedom. Read more.
HOW TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE?
- You will need to submit your abstract here: religiousfreedom.education/submission
- The abstract must be sent according to the requirements of the organizers (see details here: religiousfreedom.education/author-guidelines)
- You will receive an email with acceptance or rejection of your abstract in about 7-10 days from sending it through the form you can find on the site.
- After acceptance, you don’t have to do anything else, you are already registered. Just make sure you are ready for your conference presentation.
- About a week before the conference date, you will receive an email with the conference Zoom access details. Also, a schedule will be created one week before the conference.
Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for additional information.