A particular concern in Myanmar, as in other R2P watch-list states, is hate speech. There have been efforts to counteract it, notably the Panzagar (flower speech) campaign launched by prominent blogger Nay Phone Latt in April of this year. Nevertheless, it’s hard to say the problem is anything like solved. In these circumstances, one section of the UN Secretary-General’s recent R2P report is intriguing. This passage comes from paragraph 56, on page 14:

“The best way to defeat incitement is for respected local figures and organizations to contest it in the print media, on radio and television, on the Internet and social media, and in face-to-face communication. In Côte d’Ivoire, where hate speech has contributed to communal violence, the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) has used its broadcasting capacity to promote a peaceful environment and has been tasked by the Security Council to monitor and report on incitement to hatred, violence or intolerance.”

In Myanmar, the “best way” is conspicuously not being taken by most respected local figures and organizations. So what about launching an initiative like UNOCI? In such a vibrant and contested local media, and social media, context, what chance would such a voice have of being heard? Is there any possibility it could generate a peaceful environment? In short, what progress has been made in Côte d’Ivoire, and are there any lessons that might be relevant to Myanmar? It’s this kind of detailed case study that needs to be written.