In light of the recent race based terror attack in New Zealand, the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation is taking a pledge to stand up against hate speech.

Chief Executive, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the concerns of fakes news, hate speech, prejudice and racial remarks have sky rocketed in Fiji.

Sayed-Khaiyum adds as a public service broadcaster, FBC has decided to take action and encourage Fijians to refrain from engaging in hate speech whilst practicing responsibility in free speech.

“New Zealand has come forward and our own Prime Minister has said we must stop hate speech, we must not share hate speech and we must not share racist sentiments on social media. We must also call out people who are engaged. There are so much respect and love since the Christchurch attack not just in Fiji but across the globe and should take advantage of that and discussion on hate speech by asking ourselves what can we do?”

Sayed-Khaiyum says the pledge will be driven through the FBC’s reach on television and radio.

“Basically we will go up to people and ask them if they would like to make a pledge. As social media users in Fiji is high and everyone is always making a comment on something online and all we want to do is remind people to exercise responsibility. Due to all the events that have happened over the three weeks, maybe we need to step back and look at the situation and correct ourselves first. If someone is the victim of hate speech today – it could be you tomorrow.”

Sayed-Khaiyum is calling on all Fijians to act against hate speech and not give into it.