A resource providing an overview of the legal framework on hate speech has been published by the Human Rights Commission.

Kōrero Whakamauāhara: Hate Speech includes definitions of hate speech and considers the different legal approaches to hate speech in New Zealand and internationally.

It is intended as a resource to help New Zealanders have an informed, inclusive and respectful discussion about the complex and contentious issue of hate speech.

Work on the resource started prior to the Christchurch mosque attacks on March 15 this year and continued in the aftermath of those attacks, which killed 51 people.

“The appropriate collective response to the Christchurch massacres will include local, national and international initiatives encompassing a variety of policies, programmes and practices,” said Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt.

“The response to 15 March is and continues to be complex and multifaceted. This resource addresses only one corner of this large canvas.”

With a foreword by the Chief Commissioner, Kōrero Whakamauāhara: Hate Speech is intended to provide an accessible introduction to hate or harmful speech in national and international law.

Read Kōrero Whakamauāhara: Hate Speech – An overview of the current legal framework (word) (txt)