The general objective of the project is to combat and prevent online hate speech against migrants and refugees by developing new and creative counter-narratives. The most effective way to tackle hatred is through education and debate.
Schools and media have a vital role to play in challenging hostility and prejudice, encouraging social solidarity and helping to promote understanding and empathy with others. Instead of focusing only on the possible negative consequences of the use of the internet, the idea is to explore the opportunities offered by modern technologies and innovative media productions for intercultural dialogue.
Media literacy has a crucial role, because media portrayals influence public perceptions and attitudes and, especially for sensitive topics such as migration, it’s important to be aware of the effects of the information flow. In the era of social media the need for promoting a critical approach and correct use of the media is even more urgent. Part of the solution is giving people the tools to bring about change themselves.
The main activities:
- Organising a 5-day Media Camp for journalists, audio visual professionals, and social activists in order to build a counter-narrative on migration;
- Organising training courses for teachers, educators, and activists on how to counter hate speech through media literacy and intercultural dialogue;
- Organising workshops for school students and young people aimed at identifying and reacting to hate speech manifestations with web tools and positive actions;
- Producing investigative reports, digital initiatives, social media campaigns, and audio/visual productions by young people, journalists and activists about alternative narratives on migration in Europe;
- Online campaign under #Silence Hate;
- Organising 8 public eventsand a final conference in Brussels.
Timeframe: January 2018 – December 2019
Region/countries: Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Poland, United Kingdom
Lead Partner: COSPE
Partners:
Media Diversity Institute
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
Amnesty Italy
Amnesty Poland
Karpos
Zaffiria
Cyprus Community Media Centre
Funding: European Commission
