LIFE project/ AMAD Hosts Multilevel Stakeholders Roundtable to Address Online Hate Speech

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On December 3, 2024, the AMAD organization hosted a pivotal roundtable discussion at Europe House in Tirana, Albania, as part of the LIFE – Living Safely in a Digital World project. This important event, funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ CBY program, was aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue between key stakeholders on the critical issue of online hate speech and discriminatory discourse (HDD).

The primary objectives of the roundtable included analyzing the current state of HDD on digital platforms, presenting findings from the LIFE project’s Annual Report on Online Monitoring of HDD, and facilitating discussions to develop actionable recommendations to combat these harmful trends.

Stakeholders Convene to Tackle Online Hate Speech

The event brought together a diverse group of 19 participants, including policymakers, civil society representatives, journalists, educators, youth workers, and activists. Notable attendees included the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, representatives from NGOs such as AMI, INAC, Beyond Barriers, and Center for Bridging Communities, as well as journalists from RTSH and Elbasani Jonë.

Key Discussions and Findings

The roundtable discussions covered several pressing topics:

  1. Safe Internet Practices: Participants highlighted the growing prevalence of HDD online and stressed the importance of raising awareness among youth regarding online safety and responsible platform use.
  2. Challenges in Digital Literacy: A key issue identified was the lack of digital literacy, with participants emphasizing the need for structured curricula and tools to help individuals, especially youth, navigate the complexities of online misinformation and harmful content.
  3. Media Literacy and Professional Training: A call was made for the development of media literacy programs for various groups, including students, teachers, and parents, alongside training for professionals who can better recognize and address HDD.
  4. Intersectoral Cooperation: Stakeholders agreed on the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions, civil society, and the private sector. One of the key suggestions was to create a network of NGOs dedicated to combating online hate speech.
  5. Youth-Led Initiatives: Young participants expressed the importance of empowering youth through capacity-building workshops and peer-to-peer education to promote inclusivity and fight against HDD.
  6. Role of Parents, Teachers, and Educational Institutions: The roundtable underscored the vital role families and schools play in mitigating HDD, with a focus on guiding parents on monitoring their children’s online activities and encouraging teachers to integrate digital literacy into their classrooms.
  7. Positive Comments Attack Team: The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination introduced the innovative “Positive Comments Attack Team,” a civil society-led initiative aimed at combating online hate by flooding harmful discussions with positive and inclusive comments.

Key Findings from the Annual Report

The Annual Report on Online Monitoring of HDD, presented during the event, revealed a concerning rise in online hate speech, particularly targeting vulnerable groups. The report also noted a disturbing trend of discriminatory narratives spreading rapidly on social media platforms, further underscoring the need for comprehensive policies to address these issues.

Actionable Recommendations

The roundtable concluded with a series of actionable recommendations aimed at combating HDD:

  1. Educational Interventions: Develop comprehensive digital and media literacy programs in schools and conduct regular training sessions for educators, parents, and socio-psychological staff.
  2. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for stronger legislative frameworks to combat HDD and promote accountability for online platforms.
  3. Collaboration and Networking: Strengthen cooperation among NGOs, foster partnerships with international organizations, and create a dedicated network to address HDD.
  4. Youth Empowerment: Launch initiatives led by youth to promote tolerance and inclusivity online, providing mentorship and resources to young leaders.
  5. Awareness Campaigns: Initiate public outreach programs and leverage media to educate the public about the dangers of HDD and promote positive narratives.
  6. Positive Comments Strategy: Expand the Positive Comments Attack Team initiative and collaborate with social media platforms to amplify the impact of positive messages.

A Step Toward a Safer Digital Environment

The roundtable was a significant milestone in AMAD’s ongoing mission to combat online hate speech and promote digital safety. By fostering intersectoral collaboration, enhancing digital literacy, and empowering youth, AMAD aims to create a safer and more inclusive digital environment, building on the findings and recommendations from the LIFE project.

The discussions and recommendations laid the foundation for future actions to address HDD effectively, ensuring a united effort among stakeholders to protect vulnerable groups and promote positive digital engagement.