The United Nations has warned that Russian media rhetoric could be seen as “incitement to genocide” in Ukraine. The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, said that she is “deeply concerned” by the “dehumanizing rhetoric” being used against Ukrainians in Russian media, including the use of terms such as “Nazis” and “fascists.”
Nderitu said that this kind of rhetoric can “create a climate in which violence against Ukrainians is seen as justified or even necessary.” She called on all parties to the conflict to refrain from using language that could incite violence or hatred.
The UN warning comes as Russia continues its military offensive in Ukraine. The war has caused a humanitarian crisis in the country, with millions of people displaced and thousands killed. The UN estimates that over 10 million people have fled their homes since the start of the war, and that over 5,000 civilians have been killed.
The UN warning about Russian media rhetoric is a reminder of the importance of language in times of conflict. Words can have real-world consequences, and it is important to be aware of the potential impact of our words. We should all strive to use language that promotes peace and understanding, and to refrain from using language that could incite violence or hatred.