By Sri Lanka’s Election Fuels a Toxic Online Tide: Hate Speech Against Minorities and Women Surges
The UN in Sri Lanka has issued a stark warning about a dramatic spike in harmful speech online, particularly targeting ethnic and religious minorities and women, coinciding with the recent Parliamentary Election. The report reveals a staggering 113% increase in harmful speech in November 2024, fueled by post-election tensions and hate speech directed at minority communities.
The report paints a chilling picture of the online landscape in Sri Lanka, where hateful rhetoric has become increasingly prevalent, fueled by a toxic mix of political tensions and misinformation.
Here are some of the most concerning examples:
Rohingya Refugees: Online posts and comments have targeted Rohingya refugees, accusing them of being a threat to national security and spreading misinformation about their presence in Sri Lanka.
Anti-Muslim Sentiment: Posts and comments have targeted Muslims, accusing them of extremism and promoting violence. This rhetoric has been amplified by events like the war in Gaza.
Women Parliamentarians like Rohini Kavirathna and Nilnthi Kottahachi have subjected to online insults.
The report also highlights a concerning 159% surge in gender-based harmful speech, with women bearing the brunt of online abuse. This alarming trend underscores the need for urgent action to protect vulnerable groups from the dangers of online hate.
Here are some examples of this harmful speech:
Targeting Women in Public Office: Women in positions of power, particularly in politics and media, have been subjected to online harassment and threats, often based on their gender and political views.
Cyberbullying and Doxing: Women have been targeted with cyberbullying and doxing, where their personal information is shared online without their consent.
Sexual Harassment and Abuse: Online spaces have become breeding grounds for sexual harassment and abuse directed towards women, often accompanied by threats of violence.
Despite a decline in overall harmful speech in the first eight months of 2024, the latest figures paint a stark picture of the escalating online threats facing Sri Lanka. The report delves into the specific triggers for this surge, including the presidential election results and the ongoing impact of global events like the war in Gaza.
