Hatred, disrespect rampant on media
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: President of the Women's Institute for Development and Peace Attorney Kawthar Al-Joaan said the social media channels are rife with bullying, violence and hurtful language. In a statement on the occasion of International Day for Countering Hate Speech, which falls on June 18 of each year Al-Joaan pointed out that verbal violence is spreading among students amidst the lack of media and cultural awareness. She called for a commitment to use technological channels and artificial intelligence as tools for spreading good, love and peace, not destruction, hatred and war. She disclosed that hate speech is more widespread today than ever before, considering the proliferation of social media networks and the use of artificial intelligence. 'Hatred and disrespect for others have spread as well. Disagreement has disappeared and been replaced by manifestations of fanaticism, tribalism and a decline in cultural standards,' she asserted.
She explained that 'the human values brought by Islam urge us to love one another, so that we may live together in love and brotherhood; recognizing the importance of human values in uniting peoples and societies and respecting others while rejecting hatred, violence, killing and wars. Islam emphasizes the importance of respecting all aspects of humanity. Since its inception, it has carried the torch of goodness, love and peace; rejecting division and fanaticism, and encouraging people to live together in peace.' She added Article 36 of the Constitution stipulates that 'freedom of opinion is guaranteed, and every person has the right to express his opinion verbally, in writing or otherwise under the conditions and procedures stipulated by law. Let us all work together to maintain security, prosperity and peace for our society and all other human societies.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
Armed men in western Niger kill 34 soldiers and wound 14
DAKAR, Senegal, June 21, (AP): Armed men killed 34 soldiers and wounded 14 others in western Niger near the tri-state border with Mali and Burkina Faso, the defense ministry said. The attack was carred out around 9 a.m. Thursday in Banibangou by attackers using eight vehicles and more than 200 motorbikes, the ministry said in a statement. The government said its forces killed dozens of attackers it called "terrorists,' adding that search operations by land and air were being conduted to find additional assailants. Niger, along with its neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali, has for more than a decade battled an insurgency fought by jihadi groups, including some allied with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. Following military coups in the three nations in recent years, the ruling juntas have expelled French forces and turned to Russia's mercenary units for security assistance. The three countries have vowed to strengthen their cooperation by establishing a new security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States. But the security situation in the Sahel, a vast region on the fringes of the Sahara Desert, has significantly worsened since the juntas took power, analysts say, with a record number of attacks and civilians killed by Islamic militants and government forces.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Hatred, disrespect rampant on media
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: President of the Women's Institute for Development and Peace Attorney Kawthar Al-Joaan said the social media channels are rife with bullying, violence and hurtful language. In a statement on the occasion of International Day for Countering Hate Speech, which falls on June 18 of each year Al-Joaan pointed out that verbal violence is spreading among students amidst the lack of media and cultural awareness. She called for a commitment to use technological channels and artificial intelligence as tools for spreading good, love and peace, not destruction, hatred and war. She disclosed that hate speech is more widespread today than ever before, considering the proliferation of social media networks and the use of artificial intelligence. 'Hatred and disrespect for others have spread as well. Disagreement has disappeared and been replaced by manifestations of fanaticism, tribalism and a decline in cultural standards,' she asserted. She explained that 'the human values brought by Islam urge us to love one another, so that we may live together in love and brotherhood; recognizing the importance of human values in uniting peoples and societies and respecting others while rejecting hatred, violence, killing and wars. Islam emphasizes the importance of respecting all aspects of humanity. Since its inception, it has carried the torch of goodness, love and peace; rejecting division and fanaticism, and encouraging people to live together in peace.' She added Article 36 of the Constitution stipulates that 'freedom of opinion is guaranteed, and every person has the right to express his opinion verbally, in writing or otherwise under the conditions and procedures stipulated by law. Let us all work together to maintain security, prosperity and peace for our society and all other human societies.'
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait facilitates the transit of thousands stranded by Israel-Iran conflict
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: In response to escalating regional tensions triggered by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Kuwait has stepped in to assist approximately 30,000 travelers stranded due to suspended air traffic. Since last Friday, these travelers — many of different nationalities — have entered Kuwait through the Abdali border crossing, with numbers continuing to rise. According to security sources cited by Al-Rai, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior, under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, is actively working to facilitate the entry and return of stranded individuals. The operation includes Kuwaitis, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and Arab, European, and Asian citizens who have been unable to leave Iran or Iraq due to halted air travel. A structured mechanism has been implemented, allowing travelers to cross from Iran's Shalamcheh port into Iraq, then through the Safwan and Abdali land ports, and onwards to their home countries via Kuwait International Airport or through Nuwaiseeb and Salmi border crossings. For humanitarian purposes, Minister Al-Yousef has authorized a seven-day transit visa for GCC residents holding valid travel tickets, enabling them to pass through Kuwait. Additionally, some European citizens have been granted special entry to facilitate their return via the airport. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani has also instructed that all humanitarian services be extended to support the safe and efficient movement of stranded travelers. The Abdali crossing has become a hub of logistical activity, with border and customs officials operating around the clock. Coordination is underway with GCC embassies to evacuate citizens before they arrive at Abdali. The Kuwaiti government has deployed approximately 40 buses to transport travelers from the Safwan crossing to Abdali, streamlining their onward transit. 'All relevant personnel are working at full capacity,' the sources confirmed, 'to ensure travelers can safely and easily reach their destinations with the support and care they need.' Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to the 'safe and speedy' return of Kuwaiti citizens currently in Iran. In an interview with Al-Akhbar TV, Al-Yahya emphasized that no injuries or infections among nationals have been reported since Israel began a major military campaign against Iran last Friday. 'The safety of our citizens abroad is our top priority,' he said. 'We have begun tallying Kuwaiti nationals in Tehran, Mashhad, and Qom, and are arranging their evacuation through the closest exit points.' Evacuations are being coordinated through land crossings into Iraq, with citizens transported back to Kuwait via secure routes. Additional efforts include moving groups through Turkmenistan and its capital to arrange further repatriation. Al-Yahya noted ongoing coordination with neighboring states to ensure smooth passage and expressed hope for the safe return of all citizens. He also highlighted Kuwait's role, as current chair of the GCC, in convening a virtual ministerial meeting last Saturday. The meeting concluded with a joint statement condemning the Israeli military operations and urging de-escalation and a return to negotiations. Kuwait is also monitoring potential radioactive fallout as a precaution, with current indicators remaining stable. Regarding consular support, Al-Yahya said Kuwait's diplomatic mission in Tehran is active, while other GCC countries operate additional consulates in Mashhad and Qom. This Gulf-wide coordination is ensuring comprehensive coverage for citizens across affected areas. 'We operate as a unified team,' he concluded, 'providing direct support to Gulf nationals wherever they are.'
