PREVENTING GENOCIDE BY FIGHTING AGAINST HATE SPEECH

Genocide never happens abruptly. It is a planned crime that involves dynamic participants who must be conditioned to play their roles. Planners of genocide organize campaigns and define target group as being outside human existence, worthless, immoral sinners who pose a threat to mankind. In Rwanda, the genocide against the Tutsi was preceded and prepared by widespread hate propaganda. This paper examines hate speech by Rwandan politicians and media before and during the 1994 genocide against Tutsi and techniques used to incite others to commit genocide. It additionally explores strategies for fighting against hate speech that may be used in genocide prevention. Findings reveal that hate speech played a significant role in the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi. Accusation in a mirror, euphemism and hateful rhetoric were among techniques used when inciting Hutu to commit violence and genocide against the Tutsi. Finally, the paper highlights several strategies for fighting against hate speech, such as; reinforcement of laws criminalizing hate speech, awareness campaigns through formal and informal education, use of media, involvement of civil societies and political organizations.