The Digital Closet study exposes impact of online hate speech on Namibia’s LGBT+ community
2024-12-12
The Namibia Diverse Women’s Association (NDWA) and the NMT Media Foundation have released “The Digital Closet”, a landmark study exploring the profound effects of online hate speech on Namibia’s LGBT+ community. This comprehensive report is the first of its kind in Namibia, shedding light on the challenges faced by a community grappling with rising hostility in digital spac
The findings are sobering:
• Widespread Prevalence: Over 94% of respondents experienced hate speech online in the past year, with 59% subjected to intersecting forms of discrimination.
• Escalating Hostility: Hate speech incidents have increased, as noted by 69% of participants,particularly in comment sections of online platforms.
• Forms and Effects: Hate speech manifests as derogatory language (43%), harassment (34%), threats (34%), and doxxing (16%). Its emotional toll is immense, with 86% reporting distress and 45% noting mental health impacts.
• Gaps in Protection: Awareness of online safety measures (9%) and legal protections (18%) remains critically low, while satisfaction with responses to reporting hate speech is equally inadequate (48%).
Christiaan Keulder, the author of the report, emphasized the urgent need for action: “This report is a call to action for Namibia to confront the digital injustices inflicted on the LGBT+ community. The data vividly illustrates the human cost of neglecting online protections, and it underscores the necessity of addressing these harms as fundamental human rights issues.”
WHY THIS REPORT MATTERS
The LGBT+ community in Namibia remains underrepresented in national discourse, often marginalised in both digital and physical spaces. This report is a significant step towards inclusion, as it amplifies the voices of those whose experiences have long been ignored. By documenting the realities of online hate, it empowers the community to advocate for their rights and compels policymakers to prioritize
equitable digital environments.
Media coverage of these findings is critical to fostering a more inclusive narrative, one that recogniaes the diversity and humanity of Namibia’s LGBT+ community. Through greater representation, the report aims to challenge harmful stereotypes, dismantle systemic discrimination, and affirm the dignity of all individuals.
CONNECTING HUMAN RIGHTS TO THE DIGITAL SPHERE
The launch of “The Digital Closet” on International Human Rights Day is no coincidence. Hate speech is a direct violation of fundamental human rights, including the rights to dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination. This report serves as a stark reminder that digital justice is human justice. The fight against hate speech is intrinsically tied to the broader struggle for human rights, underscoring the responsibility of states, civil society, and digital platforms to uphold these values.
Zoé Titus, Executive Director of the NMT Media Foundation and co-editor of the report, stated: “Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, but it cannot come at the expense of human dignity. This report is a clarion call to protect digital spaces from the corrosive effects of hate speech.
As we mark International Human Rights Day, we must reaffirm our collective commitment to building a future where every voice can be heard without fear of harm.”
As Linda Baumann, co-editor of the report, added: “Our digital spaces have become battlegrounds where dignity and equality are constantly under threat. On this International Human Rights Day, let us commit to transforming these spaces into platforms of respect and inclusion, ensuring that no voice is silenced by hate.”
This report is not just an academic exercise - it is a rallying cry for change. It invites Namibia to leadby example, addressing hate speech not only as a legal issue but as a moral and societal imperative.
Download the fact sheet here.
Download full report here
Ends
Enquiries:
Zoé Titus
Executive Director
Email: zoe@nmt.africa
Mobile: +264 81 128 3919
Linda Reanate Magano Baumann
Project Coordinator
Namibia Diverse Women’s Association NMT Media Foundation
Email: lbaumann82@gmail.com
Mobile: +264 81 252 8259