The thirteenth session of the Forum on Minority Issues was convened on 19 and 20 November 2020 pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 6/15 of 28 September 2007 and resolution 19/23 of 23 March 2012. 

The Forum was on the theme of "Hate Speech, Social Media and Minorities". Expressions of online hate speech and discrimination mainly target minorities and often create a climate of exclusion, intolerance, hostility and even violence. There is indeed a need for careful and delicate efforts to ensuring the respect for the right to freedom of opinion and expression while combating hate speech that may lead to harm for minorities.  The Forum analysed practices, challenges, opportunities and initiatives in addressing hate speech in social media against the minorities, in line with the principles and rights enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities and other relevant international instruments. 

The Chairperson of the Forum was Dr. Natalie Alkiviadou. In accordance with the latest information with respect to COVID-19 crisis, the 13th session of the Forum on Minority Issues was held entirely virtually and the plenary sessions were webcasted.

Outcome documents

• Summary by the Chair
• Recommendations of the 13th session (A/HRC/46/58)

Further information

• Programme of work
• Provisional Agenda
• Concept Note
• Invited speakers
• Information Note 13 November 2020
• List of speakers – Item 2 – 19 November AM
• List of speakers – Item 3 – 19 November PM
• List of speakers – Item 4 – 20 November AM
• List of speakers – Item 5 – 20 November PM

Outcome documents of Regional Forums

• Europe
• Asia Pacific