disaster
UNHCR: Hate speech and misinformation are creating real-world harm for displaced people
By UN High Commissioner for Refugees at ReliefWeb
· July 7, 2026
· 4 min read
. 7 July 2026 GENEVA – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is concerned that the spread of misinformation, hate speech and deepfakes is exacerbating and inciting real-world harm to refugees and humanitarians. Artificial Intelligence is intensifying these risks to the integrity of our information ecosystem
Key takeaway Artificial Intelligence is intensifying these risks to the integrity of our information ecosystem and undermining trust, but it can also be part of the solution if managed in the right way.
Why this matters
The UNHCR's concerns about misinformation and hate speech highlight the critical need for responsible AI governance in humanitarian contexts. As displacement crises continue to grow globally, the spread of false information can have devastating consequences, including physical violence and forced displacement. The fact that 93 per cent of UNHCR staff respondents have witnessed misinformation, disinformation, or hate speech affecting their work underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. The disproportionate targeting of women among refugees and staff is particularly alarming. The use of AI to combat misinformation and promote trust and safety is a promising development, but it requires careful management and inclusivity to ensure that humanitarian and refugee perspectives are prioritized. Effective content moderation tools and clear frameworks for addressing manipulation are essential to mitigating the risks posed by AI and ensuring that humanitarian operations can continue safely and securely.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . 7 July 2026 GENEVA – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is concerned that the spread of misinformation, hate speech and deepfakes is exacerbating and inciting real-world harm to refugees and humanitarians. Artificial Intelligence is intensifying these risks to the integrity of our information ecosystem
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by UN High Commissioner for Refugees at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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