Countering Online Hate Speech (Training)

Hate online speech (cyberhate), intolerance and discrimination on racial and ethnic backgrounds is an important problem common to many European countries. Countering hate speech is very essential for social cohesion and eliminating xenophobia. Most frequently, migrants, refugees ethnic and sexual minorities fall victim to cyberhate. Many young people are not aware of what constitutes human right violation online, and the law enforcement with regard to the on-line hate speech is also problematic.

The understanding of the problem and sharing views and experiences of various countries can be the perfect start for fighting against online hate speech. This project is a good opportunity for the young people coming from different countries to raise awareness on how to cope with cyberhate, learn by sharing experiences and best practices, exchange ideas and decide what they can do to fight against cyberhate.

Therefore, this project aims to bring together young people from different countries and backgrounds including the young people from the groups targeted by online hate speech such as minority representatives, refugees, migrants, asylum-seekers, LGBT and Roma. These groups will be particularly encouraged to participate in this action.

The participants will have opportunities to raise awareness on the importance of fighting against the hate speech online and to find an effective solution to the problems in their communities. After the programme is finished the participants will then use the acquired knowledge to advocate changes and call the respective authorities for actions to eliminate all kinds of discrimination and on-line hate speech against minorities.

Objectives of the project:
• To determine what constitutes cyberhate – on-line hate speech
• To raise awareness on the importance of fighting against the cyberhate
• To understand the necessity of eliminating all kinds of hate speech online
• To establish a strong network of young people who will become more knowledgeable on how to fight against cyberhate
• To improve the capacity of the participants to advocate actions against cyberhate in their communities

Activities:
• Workshops
• Group works
• Field trip
• Simulation games
• Movie-screening and discussion
• Visibility actions

Expected Results:
• Increased awareness of what constitutes hate speech online and why it is important
• Increased awareness on how to fight against cyberhate
• Sharing best practices of different countries among participants
• Established networks of youngsters from various countries who will advocate changes in their respective communities to eliminate online discrimination

Duration:
9 days