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Call for Papers Theme: Hate Speech in Asia Subtitle: Challenges and Solutions Type: International Conference Institution: Asia Centre Location: Bangkok (Thailand) Date: 8.–10.7.2020 Deadline: 29.2.2020 __________________________________________________ Overview Across Asia hate speech based on fake news has led to an increase of violent incidents as disinformation divides communities during periods of political and communal tensions. With rising internet penetration and use of mobile devices, abusive and threatening remarks both in speech and writing are going viral over social media. Often such content expresses intense prejudice against individuals or particular groups, on the basis of disability, ethnicity, gender, nationality, political ideology, race, religion or sexual orientation which can rise up to a frenzy leading to violent outcomes. Governments have enacted laws to preserve public order as well as to protect human dignity. They have also sponsored and assembled inter-faith dialogues and embarked on social cohesion efforts. Other stakeholders such the UN, international organisations, civil society and faith-based groups are also doing their part to combat hate speech. In the search for solutions to these challenges, there is also a need for an evidence-based discussion to critically examine the phenomenon of hate speech and its impact on democracy, the rule of law and human rights. This conference seeks to address the issue of hate speech from an evidence-based and a solution grounded approach while upholding freedom of expression. Themes The key issues that will be examined are as follows: - Blasphemy, hate speech, “harmony” (national, social, religious) laws and bills - International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) - Human rights mechanisms (UN [UPR/Special Procedures], AICHR, NHRIs) - Non-legal interfaith dialogues and social cohesion or social harmony initiatives - Perspectives from religion, race, ethnicity and nationalities - Political and nationality-based discrimination and hate - Social protection of gender and LGBTIQ stakeholders - Role of media, social media and technology - Impact on democracy, freedom of expression, human rights and the rule of law - Any other relevant or related themes Objectives The conference aims to achieve the following objectives: - Convene interested individuals and organisations researching hate speech - Exchange information and trends around legislation to prevent hate speech - Examine non-legal measures to promote social cohesion and harmony - Evaluate hate speech’s impact on democracy, freedom of expression, human rights and the rule of law Conference Structure The conference will consist of short remarks, keynote speeches and plenary and breakout sessions made of thematic panels and country-specific discussions. Conference Participants Registration is open to all presenters and participants from academic institutions, businesses, national and regional civil society organisations, international NGOs, political parties and intergovernmental organisations to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking. Due to the stability of internet connection available, Asia Centre is not able to accommodate online presentations and participation. Conference Fee This is a self-funded conference, hence a flat fee of USD $300 that will be charged to all keynote, paper and poster presenters, participants and drop-in visitors. This will go towards covering the cost of the venue, equipment and logistics, coffee breaks on all days, certificates for participants, conference communications and staff. Submission Guidelines - Paper Presentations and Speeches Researchers and practitioners wishing to present papers or share their experiences are invited to submit a title, an abstract in English of 300-350 words along with a biographical paragraph of 100 words here: http://bit.ly/2y0GcEb For those submitting papers, full papers should be 5000 words. - Poster presentations Limited space is available for 4 to 5 poster presentations. Your presentation may be submitted in word / pdf format to the Asia Centre for consideration. A 60×80 cm poster will be printed and displayed during the conference. Full conference fees apply. Key Dates - Accepting abstracts now (deadline 29 Feb 2020) - Payment due following acceptance of paper - Full papers (deadline 15 June 2020) Contact: Dr. James Gomez, Convener Asia Centre 128/183 Phayathai Plaza Building (17th Floor) Phayathai Road Thung-Phayathai Rachatewi Bangkok 10400 Thailand Email: resea...@asiacentre.org Conference website: https://asiacentre.org/event/hate-speech-in-asia-challenges-and-solutions/ __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: https://interphil.polylog.org InterPhil List Archive: https://www.mail-archive.com/interphil@list.polylog.org/ __________________________________________________
