Countering Hate Speech Targeting Refugees

The No Hate Speech Movement calls for a wide and systematic reaction and condemnation of Hate Speech targeting Refugees in support of the World Refugee Day on 20 June since 2013.

Refugees should not be the target of hate speech, it only adds to their personal tragedies. Hate speech also prevents seeking effective and consensual measures to help and support them and their host societies. 20 June is an opportunity to counter the hate with accurate information, personal testimonies and stands in solidarity with refugees, asylum-seekers and all those working to make the right to asylum a reality.

The No Hate Speech Movement supports the #WithRefugees global campaign of UNHCR that calls governments to keep their promise to ensure that by 2018:

• Every refugee child gets an education
• Every refugee family has somewhere safe to live
• Every refugee can work or learn new skills to support their families.

This blog provides an overview of the activities organised in 2017 and the previous years. It is a starting point to learn more on the subject, read personal testimonies and gain inspiration to take action through education and awareness raising activities.

Information and events in 2017 (continuously updated)

Bulgaria: #dreamswithoutborders

On 20 June Infinite Opportunities Association will launch 20 stories of migrants in the detention centre of Busmantsi, Bulgaria, volunteers and representatives of social groups working in the migration field. Check the #dreamswithoutborders campaign teaser.

France: On 20 June 30 local youth and refugees from Strasbourg will meet and act together on a common project - “Regards Croisés”, to create links and change perceptions on Refugees. A gallery of portraits and testimonies of refugees and volunteers opens at Lieu d’Europe in Strasbourg. The event is organized by NHSM France, Alsace Terre d’Accueil, Makers For Change and the City of Strasbourg. For more check out the event page: Regards croisés #1

Council of Europe: On 19 May 2017, the Committee of Ministers adopted the Action Plan on protecting refugee and migrant children (2017-2019). Among others, it aims to enhancing the integration of refugee children. Hate Speech targeting refugees and the narratives of intolerance and violence that it justifies, remain a barrier to integration. It also leads to fear at a time when these children and youth need acceptance and protection the most.

On 28 June the Youth Department is organising a Living Library in cooperation with the secretariat of the Committee on Migrations, Refugees and Displaced Persons of the Parlimentary Assembly of teh council of Europe. The living library will focus on the theme of Migrants and Refugees.

Portugal: On 27 august to 3 September the Summer School Young refugees as actors for social inclusion and intercultural dialogue invites Young refugees and Youth workers and leaders of youth and students organisations and projects directly working with refugees and supporting their social inclusion to Braga, Portugal. The activity aims to develop the capacities of young refugees as actors and agents of change in their communities. It is based on the principles of empowerment and participation of young refugees and it aims at reinforcing resilience and leadership skills. The event is Co-organised with the Global Platform for Syrian Students in cooperation with Kiron - Open Higher Education for Refugees and Voice of Young Refugees in Europe.

Useful resources:

• Facts and Useful Links about Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Europe (2016)
• The terms: Refugees, migrants and asylum seekers explained
• Infographic of Protection Status
• Infographic on Top Hosting Countries (2015)
• Educational Resources
• Recommended Films on refugees and how to organise a CinoForum

• Inclusion of Young refugees, reports and studies of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe.
• Statement of the Joint Council of Youth on the Refugee crisis in Europe (2015)
• Unaccompanied and separated asylum-seeking and refugee children turning eighteen: what to celebrate? UNHCR / Council of Europe field research on European State practice regarding transition to adulthood of unaccompanied and separated asylum-seeking and refugee children published March 2014

Personal testimonies:

2016:

• Young people in Refugee Crisis
• I AM A REFUGEE
• My story as a refugee: Sara from Syria
• My story as a refugee: Jihad from Palestine and Syria

2013:

• Tell a different story: a silent story
• Tell a different story: when the goverment can’t fill the gaps of the system, they are those willing to
• Tell a different story: freedom is not free
• Tell a different story: story of two centuries
• Tell a different story: true heroes
• Tell a different story: beyond borders
• Tell a different story: Kwame
• Tell a different story: a long way to dignity
• Tell a different story: Raul
• Tell a different story: cold blue eyes
• Tell a different story: true inspiration
• Tell a different story: 21st century global dictionary
• Tell a different story: I forgive
• Tell a different story: my mind, my heart, my hands
• Tell a different story: the importance of peace
• Tell a different story: Monica
• Tell a different story: together we achieve more

Inspiring actions:

• In Refugees’ Shoes – Youth Solidarity Through Media/Art
• Council of Europe: Say No” to hate speech against refugees
• Worldplayers – youthwork without borders

Opinion pieces:

2016

• Refugee Crisis Exposes the Lack of Clarity on what is Hate Speech
• Refugee crisis: we all need to be a bit more “jihadists” to ourselves
• Germany: Is the refugee-crisis bringing back racism?

2015

• Hate Crime Stories: State empowered hate crimes against refugees in Hungary
• Europe and the refugees, Blog post about the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly activities on refugee issues
• ART GIVES SHELTER WHILST US DON’T

2014

• Do you understand human language?
• Blame the weakest!
• No discrimination, Equals between Equals
• My first time

2013

• It’s not a Choice. It’s SURVIVAL.
• Turning 18 is not always a reason for celebration