UN High-Level Event 5th International Day for Countering Hate Speech
Statement by H.E Mr. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
18 June 2026
Hate speech, anti-Muslim hate crime, Islamophobia, and antisemitism are rising globally.
Global conflicts and geopolitical tensions have amplified divisions across borders and within communities.
History teaches a hard truth: atrocities do not begin with violence – they begin with words.
And those words undermine the right to live free from discrimination.
Australia has three key messages today.
First, Australia unequivocally condemns hatred and discrimination of any kind – at home and abroad.
There is no place for hate or intolerance in Australia – it undermines our stability, prosperity and democracy. Efforts to divide us will be comprehensively opposed.
Second, we are taking concrete steps to confront hate.
We have strengthened Australia’s hate crime laws to crack down on those who spread hate, division and radicalisation.
These include:
- new criminal offences for publicly displaying or trading hate symbols,
- offences for advocating or threatening violence against protected groups, including groups distinguished by race, religion, sexual orientation and disability,
- and offences for possessing violent extremist material.
The Australian Government has recently legislated new powers to reject visas for those who spread hate and division, and we have launched the first phase of our National Hate Crimes Database.
We know that digital technologies can amplify hate speech at speed and at scale.
And we are committed to improving the safety of online spaces for all Australians, and are developing legislation to implement a Digital Duty of Care requiring platforms operating in Australia to take reasonable steps to ensure a safe online experience.
Third, we know there is more to do. Combatting hatred requires ongoing national efforts – and collective global commitment.
Inclusive dialogue and engagement across faiths are key to Australia’s strength. Fostering environments where people can express disagreement peacefully and respectfully, without fear of discrimination or harm, is vital.
A whole-of-society approach is necessary with sustained partnership across governments, community organisations, faith groups, educators and digital platforms, supporting broader atrocity prevention efforts.
For this reason, Australia has committed to provide further direct funding support to the UN Office of Genocide Prevention and Responsibility to Protect, to support this on a global scale.
Thank you.