Launch of the project "A Protective Environment against Hate Speech and Supportive of Freedom of Expression"
in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
The Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution, in partnership with Filastiniyat, launched the project "A Protective Environment against Hate Speech and Supportive of Freedom of Expression in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip", funded by the European Union with some 450,000 euros, on Monday 4 May 2020 via Zoom.
The launch was attended by many representatives of community organisations, community activists and media professionals, and
members of the Palestinian network to counter hate speech.
The project, funded by the European Union and running for 36 months, aims to contribute effectively to developing an environment that protects against hate speech and supports freedom of expression in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and to institutionalise community participation in countering hate speech and promoting freedom of expression in Gaza and the West Bank by the end of 2022.
The launch was opened by the Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution, represented by its Director General Mr. Saeed Almagadma, who noted that this new project has been a focus of the Centre's attention in recent years, particularly in light of the Palestinian political division, which has paralysed every aspect of political, legislative, social and economic life. He affirmed that "the international and local attention given to incitement to hate speech continues thanks to the tireless work of the many organisations and individuals taking part here today, whether as project partners or guests, and our presence today, despite the difficulty of communication because of the coronavirus, confirms our commitment to countering hate speech and working to support freedom of expression in all its forms, for the sake of preserving Palestinian social peace."
For her part, the director of Filastiniyat, Ms. Wafa Abdel Rahman, added: we will work with civil society organisations, relevant government bodies and public figures to unify efforts in countering hate speech through a large and varied set of activities targeting different segments of society, such as forming a team to monitor hate speech and establishing a Palestinian network, a steering committee and a follow-up committee to identify effective mechanisms and strategies for countering hate speech and supporting freedom of expression.
The guests affirmed their support for the idea of this project, offering their capacities in its service and stressing the importance of ensuring the continuity and sustainability of a comprehensive approach to countering hate speech and supporting freedom of expression.
A summary of the project's activities, agreed with the partners, was also presented.
It is worth noting that the project's activities will include training on hate speech monitoring mechanisms.
In addition, open meetings will be held with university students, along with awareness activities with school students and advocacy campaigns countering hate speech and supporting freedom of expression. The project's key activities also include designing an application for submitting complaints and reports related to hate speech, a free telephone line to receive complaints and reports, and a media platform giving those interested the opportunity to express their ideas.
At the end of the launch, thanks were extended to all participants from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
