At a time when the world is witnessing a worrying rise in hatred and intolerance, exacerbated by conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, the «genocidal risks» in Gaza, Congo, Sudan and China, and the rise of far-right in every corner of the globe, Morocco reaffirms its commitment to the values of coexistence. This commitment was highlighted by Omar Hilale, Morocco's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, during a high-level event held on June 19, 2024 in New York. The event, co-organized by Morocco's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the UN Office for the Prevention of Genocide, marked the celebration of the 3rd International Day against Hate Speech. Proclaimed by the UN in July 2021 at the initiative of the Kingdom, this day is celebrated every June 18. Morocco has adopted policies focused on young people, aimed at ensuring equal opportunities, quality education, and intellectual and professional empowerment. Each of these measures aims to protect young people from risky behavior and transform them into vectors of social change. «The involvement of Moroccan youth in the fight against hate speech and extremism has proved very useful», said Hilale, recalling the effectiveness of Morocco's Integrated National Youth Strategy (2015-2030). Morocco also highlights the essential role of civil society and youth associations. Since July 2011, the Conseil consultatif de la jeunesse et de l'action associative has been coordinating the action of some 50,000 associations across the country, working in a variety of fields: education, social inclusion, health, and the defense of human rights. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that young people (16% of the world's population), who are often the hardest hit by online hate, must be part of the solution. The President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, recalled the importance of the values of harmony and respect for dynamic and healthy societies.
