Key Activities Section 4 . ‌Special Program: Active Response to the Spread of Hate Speech A. Overview 1) Background Hate speech against social minorities has become a social issue, as highlighted by the Gangnam murder case and the Yemeni refugee problem in 2018. In 2019, there was a rapid spread of hatred and discrimination against women, seniors, persons with disabilities, migrants, and refugees. Several incidents have occurred, including an outcry from certain conservative groups to abolish the human rights ordinances issued by local governments. In this process, the groups expressed a deep-rooted sense of hatred and enmity towards social minorities. Hate speech results from negative views and biases towards social minorities. It can hinder social unity by expanding and reproducing structural discrimination in the society. The international community is taking active responses, including Norway’s Policy Declaration and Strategic Plan (2016), the EU’s code of conduct on countering hate speech online (2017), Germany’s strong action to delete hate speech online (2018), and the UN strategy and plan of action on hate speech (2019). According to a 2016 survey by the Commission, 86% of respondents said they had seen or heard hate speech online. In a survey conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2018, 83.8% of respondents said they had come across hate speech. Despite the various indications that hate speech is spreading, not enough actions have been taken to counter this issue. In this connection, the Commission chose Active Response to the Spread of Hate Speech as the special program for the 5th phase of the Human Rights Promotion Action Plan (2018-2020). The chairperson presented it as one of the four major obligations and established Hate Speech Project Team . 2) Purpose Hate speech not only violates the human dignity of social minorities, reproduces and reinforces structural discrimination, but it also threatens the very foundation of democracy and hinders social unity. Thus, a strong response is required to counter hate speech and promote a society of 54