Kuwait committed to combating hate speech at all levels: Attorney Al-Jouan
Stresses urgent need to enhance media and cultural awareness to counter the spread of online hostility and to foster a culture of dialogue, empathy, and respect across society
Lawyer Kawthar Al-Jouan, President of the Women’s Institute for Development and Peace, affirmed Kuwait’s firm commitment — under its wise leadership — to combating hate speech locally, regionally, and internationally.
Speaking on the occasion of the International Day for Combating Hate Speech, marked annually on June 18, Al-Jouan emphasized the value of this global observance in promoting tolerance and mutual respect. She noted that Islam has long upheld values of peace, compassion, and unity, encouraging coexistence and rejecting fanaticism and division, reports Al-Rai daily.
“These Islamic human values guide us to live with love and brotherhood,” she said, “so that societies may unite through mutual respect and reject hatred, violence, killing, and war.”
Al-Jouan also highlighted that the Kuwaiti Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, adding that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad underscored the importance of hope, love, and peace in his recent Ramadan address.
The Amir called for an end to conflicts and bloodshed, advocating for the voice of reason, adherence to international conventions, and the prevalence of peace and security for all nations.
Al-Jouan expressed concern over the rise of hate speech in the digital age, noting that social media networks — amplified by artificial intelligence — have become breeding grounds for bullying, verbal abuse, and toxic discourse, especially among students in schools and universities.
She stressed the urgent need to enhance media and cultural awareness to counter the spread of online hostility and to foster a culture of dialogue, empathy, and respect across society.
