Mayyun Organization warns of an unprecedented rise in hate speech in Yemen.
On June 18, the world observes the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, at a time when Yemen is witnessing an unprecedented surge in the spread and acceleration of hate speech, particularly through media outlets and digital platforms. This alarming trend threatens social cohesion and undermines the prospects for peace.
The negative use of media, digital spaces, and artificial intelligence tools has contributed to the creation of a toxic digital environment filled with content that incites violence, hatred, and exclusion. This poses a direct threat to human rights and civil peace across the country.
The Houthi group emerges as one of the most prominent actors in the strategic use of hate speech through its media platforms, summer centers, and educational curricula, which have undergone major revisions to entrench hostility toward those with differing views and to promote discrimination, extremism, and sectarianism—targeting both Yemenis and foreigners alike.
At Mayyun Organization for Human Rights, we emphasize that confronting hate speech is an urgent national and humanitarian responsibility. We affirm that peace in Yemen cannot be achieved unless all parties to the conflict cease the production and promotion of hate speech and incitement, and instead adopt a discourse rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
We also call on all parties to the conflict to assume their moral and legal responsibilities in promoting the values of peace and coexistence through their official and unofficial media, and to adopt political and media discourse that upholds human dignity and respects the right to diversity and difference.
Recognizing the crucial role of culture in promoting social peace, we urge national institutions and Yemen’s international donors to support and invest in cultural, literary, and artistic institutions, and to promote creative arts that foster a culture of tolerance, political and religious coexistence, and reinforce the values of equal citizenship and acceptance of others.
On this important international day, we call upon all members of society, media institutions, activists, and content creators to unite in standing against hate speech, to show solidarity with its victims, and to work together to create a safe digital and social environment based on freedom, justice, and human dignity.
Respect for diversity, the adoption of peace-oriented discourse, and the empowerment of culture and the arts are critical steps toward achieving a just and sustainable peace in Yemen.
Issued by Mayyun Organization for Human Rights
Aden – June 18, 2025
