A group of activists in media and social media met in the city of Duhok for an intensive workshop to exchange views on the causes and effects of the circulation of hate speech in the media and online platforms.
Participants in the workshop, which was held as part of a series of workshops under the Citizens Against Hate program implemented by the Masarat Foundation for Cultural and Media Development, discussed ways and mechanisms to confront hate speech and methods to stop and control it.
The workshop was led by media professionals Haval Abdullah and Walid Hassan, members of the National Center for Monitoring and Addressing Hate Speech, in collaboration with the Network for Coordinating Organizations in Duhok.
They facilitated discussions among participants, which concluded with the identification of several reasons that drive social media users to issue or engage with hate speech.
Participants also emphasized the need to continue working towards legislation that limits the impact of this speech on society while ensuring freedom of expression at the same time.
