Rights groups note a global rise in hate speech

Amnesty International has published (1600 Thu 22 Feb) its latest State of the World's Human Rights report.

Protesters in Perth after a 2015 visit by Dutch politician Geert Wilders (AAP) Source: AAP

The key finding is that hate-filled narratives by governments around the world are giving licence to bigotry and discrimination against already-marginalised groups. Hate-filled narratives - their increase is what Amnesty International is highlighting this year in its annual report on human rights. It chimes with findings from the Southern Poverty Law Centre in the United States, which says in the last 12 months, the number of hate groups expanded to 954 - up four per cent on the previous year. They say President Donald Trump's immigration stance and a perception that he sympathises with white supremacists have fuelled the increase. After releasing their State of the World's Human Rights report, Amnesty International Australia's national director, Claire Mallinson, says unchecked hate speech can have serious consequences.