Körero Whakamauähara : Hate Speech We are alarmed by the recent increase in hateful messages and incitement to discrimination and hatred against migrants, minority groups and various ethnic groups, as well as the defenders of their rights, in numerous countries. Hate speech, both online and offline, has exacerbated societal and racial tensions, inciting attacks with deadly consequences around the world. The letter calls for the rhetoric of hatred to be countered as it has real-life consequences, referring to the correlation between hate speech and the number of hate crimes committed. The experts also warn that the demonisation of entire groups of people as dangerous or inferior is not new in history and has led to catastrophic tragedies in the past. The letter concludes with a call for States to: ……actively work towards policies that guarantee the rights to equality and non-discrimination and freedom of expression, as well as the right to live a life free of violence through the promotion of tolerance, diversity and pluralistic views; these are the centre of pluralistic and democratic societies. We believe that these efforts will help make countries safer, and foster the inclusive and peaceful societies that we would all like and deserve to live in. Significantly, the signatories reiterate the importance of freedom of expression and its role as a “vital tool” to counter hate speech. They encourage the application of the three-part test for restrictions to freedom of expression - legality, proportionality and necessity - to cases of incitement to hatred and also urge States to follow the standards adopted in the Rabat Plan. 19