Discurso do Encarregado de Negócios (Chargé D'Affaires), Embaixador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, em "briefing" de alto nível do Conselho de Segurança sobre "Manutenção da Paz Internacional e Segurança: Importância da Fraternidade Humana na Promoção e Manutenção da Paz" - 14 de junho de 2023 (texto em inglês)

Madam President.

Brazil thanks the United Arab Emirates for organizing this high-level meeting. We also thank Secretary-General and our three briefers for their valuable contributions and for their wisdom.

Madam President,

This briefing is in tune with the importance that Brazil gives to combatting the root causes of conflicts, to which promoting a culture of peace, tolerance and mutual understanding is key. This is especially true for our common efforts in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

As recalled in the concept note of this briefing, almost thirty years ago, hate speech was one of the main drivers of the genocide in Rwanda. If, then, the radicalization of individuals was stimulated by radio broadcasts and printed propaganda, today we witness an alarming increase in the use of hate speech on social media, with the potential to exacerbate armed conflicts and threaten stability around the world.

The situations in Mali, Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are concrete instances of this worrisome trend. The social dimension of this phenomenon must be taken into account: inequalities, marginalization, racism, and the feeling of not belonging can drive individuals to engaging in hate speech, either online or offline, which creates a fertile environment for the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflicts.

Madam President,

The spread of disinformation, misinformation and hate speech has a direct and detrimental effect on the work of the United Nations, especially on UN peacekeeping missions and on the safety and security of peacekeepers. In this connection, we highlight the central importance of the use of strategic communications. As stated by this council on last year's presidential statement of the issue, strategic communications contribute to promote the women, peace and security agenda, to build trust with local communities, and to create a protective environment for civilians in areas affected by armed conflict.

The role of civil society, including religious leaders, in building an environment of trust, tolerance and understanding should be acknowledged and strengthened. Their legitimacy, first-hand knowledge and cultural understanding of the root causes and contentious issues of conflicts are important assets in setting the conditions conducive to dialogue and sustainable peace. Cultivating a culture of peace and tolerance entails inclusivity.

Madam President,

The promotion of a culture of peace and tolerance, which in many contexts involve inter-religious dialogue, can effectively contribute to advance our peacebuilding efforts in societies affected by conflict. Tackling discrimination, as well as protecting the most vulnerable groups, including victims and minorities, is key to strengthening the social fabric in post-conflict situations.

A strong investment in education is also needed if we want to build an environment of tolerance. It is our view that sustainable peace will not be achieved as long as the root causes of conflict are not addressed. These include ethnic, religious, cultural and ideological intolerance, but also social injustice and the scourge of hunger.

We all, in our respective societies, have the necessity to better understand one another, both in our differences and in our shared humanity, which is the only path to be taken towards peace.

And I thank you.