Awareness programs to combat hate speech, encourage media to play its societal role

The Nujin Social Development Association was founded in Hasakah in 2020. On November 20, 2025, the association launched a program entitled "Youth Against Hate," which it describes as a new voice for peacebuilding. This program aims to support and empower young people in confronting hate speech, while providing a safe environment for dialogue that fosters understanding among different segments of society.

The program, which includes sessions and discussion panels, addresses issues related to the risks of conflict spreading within society and how to prevent it. The program is divided into two phases, and 5,070 people attended the first phase, which concluded this month.

The second phase of the program began on April 5th at the Khabour Café in Hasakah and is still ongoing. Sixty-five people are participating, including women's organizations, activists, journalists, representatives of political parties, intellectuals, religious and legal figures, and tribal leaders. Topics related to hate speech are discussed weekly, with a final discussion session scheduled for the last week. The second phase concludes on April 20th.

Kafia Dey, one of the program organizers, spoke about hate speech, its dangers, and its effects on society.

In her opening remarks to ANHA agency, Kafia Dey drew attention to the reasons for the spread of hate speech in society, saying, "When instability prevails in a region and problems spread within society, hate speech and resentment proliferate. The Ba'ath regime encouraged discrimination, hatred, and resentment among different segments of society during its rule, and the effects of this are still felt today. Society has not yet freed itself from this mentality. Hate speech and resentment are the primary causes of division and instability in society." Kafia Dey noted that after all these conflicts and wars, some parties, for their own interests, sought to use various methods to promote hatred and animosity within society and cause its collapse.

Dey also pointed out that the negative impact of hate speech has increased in these attacks, saying, "Through virtual communication, they tried to spread hate speech and animosity between groups. Many used this according to their personal interests, which led to division within society."

Dey emphasized the responsibility of society and relevant authorities in preventing hate speech, adding, "We are currently going through a transitional phase. Laws and regulations that prevent hatred and its spread must be enacted and enforced. At the same time, society must be aware of this. If this is not done, hate speech will not be prevented." Kafia Dey highlighted the crucial role of media in raising awareness within the community, concluding her remarks by saying, "As the Nujin Association, we launched a project to combat hate speech. This project is ongoing. Our aim is to warn the community against hate speech, conflict, and provocation, so they are not deceived by it. We strive to prevent such language. The press must also play a more positive and effective role in this regard. Journalists can prevent hate speech through their reporting and writing."

The association also organizes numerous programs addressing emerging social issues. It has previously conducted programs on cyber violence and violence against women. It also launched a 16-day campaign against discrimination. Furthermore, the association provides financial assistance to displaced persons during waves of displacement.

ANHA