Fighting Online Hate Speech: UNDP’s Youth Empowerment Efforts in 2024!

Overview

Online hate speech is a growing problem that targets marginalized groups and threatens social harmony. However, youth around the world are taking a stand against it. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is actively supporting young people like Pretty Tanchanya and Selma Drini, who use their voices and digital skills to combat hate and promote peace online. This article explores their efforts and the broader UNDP initiatives to counter online hate speech.

Youth-Led Initiatives Against Hate Speech

Pretty Tanchanya: Promoting Cultural Diversity in Bangladesh

Pretty Tanchanya, an undergraduate student from the Chittagong Hill Tracts in southeastern Bangladesh, noticed social exclusion and online hate among youths in her community. In response, she and her friends created “SAABA,” an online platform that shares positive messages of cultural diversity to counter hate comments. “SAABA” means shadow in the Indigenous languages of Tanchangya and Chakma. Preety believes that raising awareness about cultural diversities can help reduce derogatory remarks about people’s food habits, cultural practices, or appearances.

Selma Drini: Advocating for Respect in Montenegro

Selma Drini, a young activist from the Roma community in Montenegro, also faces the challenges of hate speech. She emphasizes the importance of communicating the consequences of hate speech and promoting respect for diversity. Selma works to raise awareness about the harmful effects of hate speech and the need for collective action to foster a more inclusive society.

UNDP’s Role in Countering Hate Speech

Global Efforts

The UNDP is committed to supporting youth-led initiatives like those of Preety and Selma. In commemoration of the 3rd International Day of Countering Hate Speech, the UNDP celebrates these efforts as crucial steps toward creating a more tolerant and peaceful online environment. The UNDP recognizes that hate speech thrives in silence and works to provide safe spaces for open and respectful conversations where diverse voices can be heard.

Tools and Programs

• Educational Toolkits: The UNDP develops tailored toolkits for citizens, youth, civil society, and media to effectively tackle hate speech. For instance, UNDP Kyrgyzstan created the manual “From Hate Speech to Non-Violent Communication,” which provides practical examples of identifying and transforming hate speech into non-violent communication.
• NextGeneration Movement: In Montenegro, the “NextGeneration (#NextGen) Movement” works with youth to advocate for gender equality and against hate speech. This program fosters youth participation in creating positive change and encourages them to stand against divisive narratives.

Promoting Positive Narratives

The UNDP promotes alternative narratives to stay ahead of the curve in addressing hate speech. In Bangladesh, the “Partnerships for a More Tolerant, Inclusive Bangladesh” project, through initiatives like the Digital Khichuri Challenge hackathon, empowers youth to spread messages of tolerance. Bandhan Das’s “Harmony Unites” campaign on Facebook is an example of using art to promote community benefits and counter hate speech.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Role of Technology

In today’s digital age, online hate speech is a significant threat to peace and social cohesion. Messages of hate, disguised as memes, comments, and social media posts, spread rapidly, targeting marginalized groups and inciting violence. The rise of artificial intelligence adds complexity, posing both challenges and opportunities for addressing hate speech.

Youth as Agents of Change

Young people are not only victims of online hate speech but also powerful agents of change. Youth activists like Jovan Džoli Ulićević from Montenegro remain motivated to fight against hate speech and refuse to be silenced by it. The UNDP supports these youth-led efforts, recognizing their potential to make a significant impact.

Conclusion

The fight against online hate speech is ongoing, and youth are at the forefront of this battle. With the support of UNDP, young activists around the world are creating positive changes, promoting cultural diversity, and fostering respect for all. Their efforts are essential in building a more inclusive and tolerant online community.

References

• UNDP Celebrates Youth Efforts Against Hate Speech
• Pretty Tanchanya’s Story
• Selma Drini’s Advocacy
• UNDP’s Tools and Programs

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