In a global landscape where the proliferation of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech poses a threat to peacekeeping efforts, the imperative for a proactive and resolute approach to safeguarding civilian lives took center stage at the United Nations preparatory conference in Kigali on Monday, October 23.
Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda underscored the significance of addressing the escalating challenges faced by peacekeeping missions worldwide.
In his address at the Serena Hotel, he emphasized the critical role of countering hate speech, citing its insidious nature in obstructing constructive dialogue and fostering social divisions.
"Hate speech," he emphasized, "acts as a catalyst for discrimination, fracturing social cohesion, and perpetuating the marginalization and stigmatization of targeted communities based on various identities."
Drawing from Rwanda's tragic history, Marizamunda highlighted the devastating repercussions of disinformation and extremist propaganda, which had culminated in mass atrocities. He expressed concern about the persistence of such dangerous ideologies, notably exemplified by the activities of the FDLR in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Despite repeated warnings, including those from the UN Human Rights Commission's special advisor on the prevention of genocide, insufficient measures are being taken to curb the propagation of disinformation and hate speech," Marizamunda said.
Recognizing the role of technology in both enabling criminal activities and aiding peacekeeping efforts, the Minister called for a concerted global effort to leverage technology effectively in countering false narratives and shaping public perception about UN missions.
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Acknowledging the detrimental impact of information manipulation on community trust and the efficacy of peacekeeping operations, Minister Marizamunda emphasized the urgency of bridging capacity gaps through digital literacy and the integration of strategic communication at all levels of command.
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Pobee, stressed the necessity for comprehensive communication strategies aligned with political and security priorities. She emphasized the need for a robust approach to monitor, analyze, report, and respond to information-related challenges across all mission components.
Joost Flamand, the Director of Security Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands, highlighted the ongoing challenges facing UN peacekeeping missions, emphasizing the critical need to secure local support and trust in conflict zones.
In a commitment to upholding the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations, Minister Marizamunda affirmed Rwanda's dedication to deploying well-equipped personnel with a strong commitment to civilian protection and countering misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.
Rwanda stands as the 4th largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
