The Human Rights Commission has received hundreds of complaints around Covid-19 and many are about people being on the receiving end of divisive, derogatory and damaging sentiments.
At a time when anger, tension and hostility around Covid-19, both in person and online, is at a high, the Human Rights Commission is launching a campaign called Dial it Down to help target the hostility.
In a statement on Tuesday morning, the Human Rights Commission says this type of hostility is dividing people and while the campaign recognises the right to freedom of opinion and expression - “entrenched, polarised views are a danger to society and to people”.
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon says “unfortunately, we're seeing a rise in anger directed towards each other”.
“We all need to work together to create conditions that make social inclusion a reality.”
Judgement should be dialled down and respect dialled up, he says.
"It’s okay to be passionate about topics like Covid but it’s not okay to personally attack people,” Foon says.
“You may feel like you are banging your head against the wall because of an argument but keep in mind that you have more in common with the person on the other side of the discussion than you have differences."
"We're hoping to remind people that it's okay to have disagreements but that your words have power. Try to show empathy. Focus on having a conversation with someone rather than getting into conflict with them," Foon says.
People are encouraged to take part in the campaign by sharing social media content from the Dial it Down campaign website or from the Human Rights Commission’s social media accounts.
More stories:
Covid update: Auckland moves to orange traffic light setting on Dec 30