Content Moderation in South Sudan: From Challenges to Solutions. скачать в хорошем качестве

Content Moderation in South Sudan: From Challenges to Solutions.

Hate speech is any form of communication—verbal, written, or visual—that attacks, dehumanizes, or incites violence against individuals or groups based on their identity, such as ethnicity, religion, or nationality. In South Sudan, hate speech often manifests as ethnic slurs, stereotypes, and calls for violence against certain communities. This form of rhetoric is especially dangerous in a nation undergoing reforms, where historical ethnic divisions have fueled cycles of violence. The recent conflict in Nasir, coupled with the circulation of graphic videos and inflammatory rhetoric online, has created a volatile environment. Hate speech in this context not only justifies retaliatory violence but also undermines efforts toward peace and reconciliation. By targeting entire ethnic groups instead of individuals or specific actors, hate speech perpetuates collective blame and deepens mistrust between communities. While social media serves as a powerful tool for communication, connection, and community-building, its unregulated use can contribute to dangerous societal divisions and, in the worst cases, escalate violence. Speakers Eng. Napoleon Adok Gai: Director General, National Communication Authority Mary Ajith Goch: Project Manager Journalists for Human Rights Wani Steven: Deputy Secretary General, South Sudan Bar Association Eng. Napoleon Adok Gai is the Director General of the National Communication Authority (NCA) of South Sudan. With over 20 years of experience in ICT, he has leveraged technology to create opportunities and drive development in conflict-prone regions. A pioneer in promoting peace and reconciliation, Eng. Adok Gai founded South Sudan's first website, gurtong.net. Through this platform, he has provided well-researched information on governance, health, economic development, and education, while also celebrating the nation's cultural diversity by highlighting the unique heritage of its various ethnic communities. In his current role at the NCA, he regulates telecommunications to bolster socio-economic growth and foster capacity building, awareness, and confidence within the country's communication sector. Previously, Eng. Adok Gai served as a child’s rights advocate with humanitarian and civil society organizations, working to demobilize child soldiers in the SPLA. He also established the presidential communication department as the Director of ICT in the Office of South Sudan’s President, and later, as CEO of South Sudan International Gateway, he launched the country's first international gateway to improve call rates and boost internet services. His extensive contributions to ICT and rural connectivity have been instrumental in advancing peace and development throughout South Sudan Mary Ajith Goch is an experienced South Sudanese media practitioner with over ten years in journalism. She has worked across print, radio, and digital media management, and currently serves as the chairperson of the South Sudan Production Cooperation. Mary is also the Project Manager for Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), where she leads initiatives to tackle misinformation and disinformation through media to promote peacebuilding in South Sudan. Previously, Mary served as the director of the Catholic Radio Network, a national organization comprising nine community-based radio stations across South Sudan and Sudan. From January 2016 to August 2021, she was the chairperson of the Association for Media Development (AMDISS), an association for independent media houses. Before these roles, she worked as a journalist for the Citizen Newspaper in South Sudan from 2010 to 2016. Wani Steven is a seasoned lawyer specializing in technology, internet regulations, and intellectual property law. He currently serves as the Deputy Secretary General for the South Sudan Bar Association and is a board member of Digital Rights Frontlines. With over nine years of experience, Wani is a partner at Witness Law Advocates, a continental innovation law firm operating across East and Northern Africa. He is actively involved in projects on content moderation and digital rights, and he consults on issues related to digital rights and internet access. In addition to his legal practice, Wani lectures on Cyber Law and Intellectual Property, and his extensive expertise in digital rights, data protection, and technology regulations plays a crucial role in guiding policy advocacy efforts.