KUWAIT CITY, June 19: President of the Women’s Institute for Development and Peace Attorney Kawthar Al-Joaan said the social media channels are rife with bullying, violence and hurtful language. In a statement on the occasion of International Day for Countering Hate Speech, which falls on June 18 of each year Al-Joaan pointed out that verbal violence is spreading among students amidst the lack of media and cultural awareness. She called for a commitment to use technological channels and artificial intelligence as tools for spreading good, love and peace, not destruction, hatred and war. She disclosed that hate speech is more widespread today than ever before, considering the proliferation of social media networks and the use of artificial intelligence. “Hatred and disrespect for others have spread as well. Disagreement has disappeared and been replaced by manifestations of fanaticism, tribalism and a decline in cultural standards,” she asserted.

She explained that “the human values brought by Islam urge us to love one another, so that we may live together in love and brotherhood; recognizing the importance of human values in uniting peoples and societies and respecting others while rejecting hatred, violence, killing and wars. Islam emphasizes the importance of respecting all aspects of humanity. Since its inception, it has carried the torch of goodness, love and peace; rejecting division and fanaticism, and encouraging people to live together in peace.” She added Article 36 of the Constitution stipulates that “freedom of opinion is guaranteed, and every person has the right to express his opinion verbally, in writing or otherwise under the conditions and procedures stipulated by law. Let us all work together to maintain security, prosperity and peace for our society and all other human societies.”