Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

In Myanmar, a draft law for protection against “hate speech” was developed and discussed in various religious groups of the society to try and stop those who spread or incite hatred and violence in public speeches and on the web, or promote defamation and calumny. The objective of this paper is to make suggestions in the upcoming law for protection against “hate speech” in Myanmar and analysis of Myanmar initiatives against hate speech, compared with international human rights standards. This paper uses qualitative approach for research methods. Legal and case law analysis are applied. There have been various forms of hate speech that took place in Myanmar. Communal violence erupted in Rakhine State. The Myanmar government should undertake measures to build mutual understanding and dialogue between groups. This also requires prominent individuals to speak out against hatred and violence. In the bill, the definition of “hate speech” should be clear and more precisely expression. In addition, it requires providing exactly whether hate speech has occurred and how to limit the law against hate speech or free speech. It has vague terms on what kinds of expression are not allowed, which can be easily be abused. It criminalizes misusing religion for political purposes which are not allowed under international standards.