Activists in Dhi Qar discussed ways and mechanisms to confront #hate_speech, methods to stop it, and how to control it, as well as avoiding being drawn into it.
This took place in a workshop organized by the Masarat Foundation for Cultural and Media Development in collaboration with the House of Books and Documents at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, under the direct supervision of its General Director, Mr. Barq Raad Alawi.
A group of activists, leaders, and influential youth from Dhi Qar province participated in the workshop with the aim of enhancing their capacities and supporting their role in combating hate speech as part of the Citizens Against Hate initiative, which has been active since last September at Masarat to involve citizens in confronting hate speech and reducing its negative impact on society while distancing themselves from it.
The workshop witnessed discussions on many topics, including defining an agreed-upon definition of hate speech, analyzing its types, mechanisms for accessing its sources, and evaluating it, in addition to the tools and skills necessary to confront it on social media.
The discussion focused on the challenges faced by young activists in monitoring and confronting hate speech and the need for legislation that limits the effects of this speech while simultaneously ensuring freedom of expression.
