Consultancy - Consultation, research and knowledge resource on parliaments and hate speech,UNDP HQ/BPPS/Governance Unit & Crisis Bureau (CB)/ (CPPRI)

UNDP, through a joint initiative between its Bureau of Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)/Governance and its Crisis Bureau (CB)/Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding & Responsive Institutions (CPPRI) is looking to hire an International Consultant (IC) to build a knowledge base on the relationship between parliaments (institutionally, as well as via their members and via political parties) and hate speech (offline and online).  A specific focus will be the roles and responsibilities of parliamentarians in addressing hate speech.

Hate speech and disinformation are now common around the globe. In countries with populist or authoritarian leanings, they are, in many circumstances, becoming the default modality for political discourse and campaigning. They have been blamed for deepening societal polarization, contributing to distrust in political institutions and discouraging public engagement of the vast majority of the population.

The impact of hate speech and disinformation on the political process is increasingly understood as contributing to violence and extremism, yet this causal path is wide-ranging and lacks understanding. For example, with the public debate moving increasingly online, the growing use of artificial personas – trolls and bots – poses broader governance and security concerns about online hate speech becoming a key vector for the undermining of peace and democracy.

In an increasingly polarized world, political figures play a lead role in setting the tone for public debate, not only through policies but also discourse. Research shows that when politicians use hate speech, political violence increases.

As people’s representatives, parliaments and their members are increasingly compelled to embrace effective means of public engagement and communication, including social media and other digital platforms, to deliver on their mandates and to reach and interact with their constituents. To uphold their responsibility as SDG 16 institutions to promote peace and inclusion, parliaments need to be aware of the implications of both online and offline hate speech on social cohesion and societal violence, understand their roles and responsibilities in this regard, and broaden and deepen their systemic relationships with people and civil society. These go beyond legislating in the online and offline sphere in order to reduce hate speech which incites violence, and includes a responsibility to refrain from and condemn such rhetoric. These go hand in hand with the need for citizen education and promotion of positive rhetoric that promotes peace and a stronger social contract. Finally, parliaments must be aware of the broader social, political and security implications of the new challenges, opportunities and responsibilities presented to them by online hate speech.

The objective of the assignment

The objective of the assignment is to build a knowledge base and resource(s) for building the capacity of parliaments to address hate speech.

For this purpose, a better understanding of the relationship between parliaments (as well as their members and political parties) and hate speech (offline and online), their conduct, and their roles and responsibilities a in addressing hate speech needs to be developed. As such, through a joint effort, BPPS/Governance/ Inclusive Processes and Institutions and CB/CPPRI/PVE are looking to hire an International Consultant (IC) to build a knowledge base on this topic by designing and carrying out a consultation and research process, followed by the development of a knowledge product and capacity building resource as per the below scope of work.

Details are provided in the Terms of Reference as advertised on UNDP job site VA # 97366

Interested bidders are requested to submit their application using the following link: VA # 97366  as per the instruction in the notice and using templates provided.

Applications must be submitted by the deadline stated on the jobsite. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a financial proposal.

Should you have any questions please email cpu.bids@undp.org no later than 17 March 2021 referencing VA # 97366 – Consultancy - Consultation, Research and Knowledge Resource on Parliaments and Hate Speech Governance Team/BPPS

Best regards,

UNDP

Central Procurement Unit