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Description
The aim of the project is to raise awareness of human rights and fight against hate speech. Specifically, we want to:
Raise young people''s awareness of human rights, hate speech and discrimination by inviting them to take part in action days through debates, film evenings and workshops (eg Peace Day, Combating sexist hate speech, Safer Internet Day, etc.).
Train people working with young people on human rights and "No Hate Speech" and introduce them to different tools (eg "Bookmarks", "Human Rights Compass", etc.)
To learn from the good experiences and practices of Iceland and Norway and to apply them at the Estonian level
Activate the "No Hate Speech Movement!" campaign in Estonia both on the Internet and in the real world
We directly involve 48 people working with young people in the project activities (2 seminars and one follow-up seminar) who will learn how to use nonformal methods to discuss human rights and “No Hate Speech” with youngsters. They, in turn, will do workshops with their young people, involving almost a thousand young people. Ten people working with young people will have the opportunity to participate in study visits to Norway and Iceland to learn from their experience, make contacts and bring that experience back to Estonia. We will organize 18 action days to empower certain minority groups and/or draw attention to discrimination and problems in society. At least 360 young people will take part in these activities. In addition, we will organize two human rights summer schools for young people (50 participants in total) and create a group of volunteer activists who will manage "No Hate Speech!" Estonian social media page.
Summary of project results
The project aims to raise awareness about human rights and combat hate speech. It focuses on:
- Educating young people about human rights, hate speech, and discrimination through discussions, movie nights, and interactive learning on themed action days such as Peace Day, Anti-Sexist Hate Speech Day, and Safer Internet Day.
- Training professionals working with youth (youth workers, teachers, hobby leaders, and local government specialists) on human rights and anti-hate speech initiatives, introducing practical tools like the "Bookmarks" and "Compass" guides.
- Learning from Icelandic and Norwegian experiences to implement best practices at a national level in Estonia.
- Revitalizing the “No to Hate Speech” movement in Estonia, both online and offline, by involving active young people in social media management, sharing relevant news, and participating in campaigns and themed events.
The project represents a step toward creating a more tolerant and inclusive society, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their nationality, skin color, gender, religion, or other characteristics—can live comfortably. It aims to instill in future generations the understanding that hate speech is not normal and that freedom of speech is a privilege that does not grant the right to harm or demean others.
The project successfully raised awareness of human rights and combated hate speech through a variety of initiatives:
- Engaging young people: The project increased awareness among youth about human rights, hate speech, and discrimination by organizing action days featuring debates, film evenings, and workshops. Examples of these themed days included Peace Day, Women’s Day, and Safer Internet Day.
- Activating the "No to Hate Speech” movement in Estonia: Together with volunteers, the campaign was revitalized both online and offline. The project hosted 16 action days to empower minority groups and highlight societal discrimination and issues. Additionally, three human rights summer schools were organized, involving 62 young participants and fostering a group of volunteer activists to manage the "No to Hate Speech!" Estonian social media page.
- Broad participation: A total of 520 young people participated directly in project activities, with an extended reach to over 1,700 individuals through social media and peer influence. Among the participants, 444 were youth aged 13 to 29, and 76 were adults.
- Training youth workers: The project directly involved 68 individuals working with young people through seminars, a follow-up seminar, and study visits to donor countries. Participants learned to use non-formal methods to discuss human rights and combat hate speech and were introduced to tools like "Bookmarks" and "Human Rights Compass" to engage youth effectively. These trained individuals later conducted workshops, reaching nearly 1,000 young people.
- Learning from international partners: Eight youth workers participated in study visits to Iceland and Norway to learn from their successful practices and applied these insights to initiatives in Estonia.
The project was carried out in collaboration with partners "Step by Step" from Iceland and "Creatorium" from Norway, fostering international cooperation and the exchange of best practices.
The project had a significant impact on raising awareness and fostering inclusivity in society, particularly through the "No to Hate Speech" movement in Estonia. Key outcomes include:
- Increased awareness and engagement: The movement became more active, and awareness grew regarding societal issues and opportunities to make positive changes. Over two years, 520 individuals directly participated in project activities, while the broader reach, including social media impact and participant networks, engaged over 1,700 people. Among direct participants, 444 were youth aged 13–29, and 76 were adults.
- Empowered young people: The youth involved are now more aware of their identity, human rights, and the responsibilities that come with freedom. They can recognize hate speech, understand its difference from free speech, and know how to protect themselves in both online and offline spaces. They have learned about important themed action days, the societal challenges they address, and their role in shaping a better future. Equipped with this knowledge, they are prepared to take initiative and drive change, understanding that passive observation does not lead to progress.
- Support for vulnerable groups: The project empowered marginalized groups, such as sexual minorities, people with disabilities, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. By fostering inclusion, it promoted a shift in societal attitudes, emphasizing the value of diversity and countering the risk of radicalization present in Estonia and across Europe.
- A step toward a tolerant society: The project contributed to spreading positive attitudes toward differences and combating hate speech. By engaging people incrementally, even through small actions like following the “No to Hate Speech” movement''s social media page, it paved the way for broader societal change.
The project represented a meaningful step toward creating a more tolerant and inclusive society where everyone—regardless of nationality, skin color, gender, religion, or other characteristics—can live harmoniously. It sought to instill in future generations the understanding that hate speech is not acceptable and that freedom of speech is a privilege that must not be used to harm or demean others.
Summary of bilateral results
Both the “No Hate” movement and the various other activities in relation to minority inclusion and human rights are much better organized in the Nordic countries than in Estonia. Norwegian and Icelandic societies are exemplary of long-term systemic activities from which to learn and about their best practices in order to implement them at a local level. During the project, study visits took place both to Norway and Iceland, during which also new contacts and possible partnerships were established to deepen cooperation and learn to work together towards the same goal. While international cooperation was a smaller part of this project, it is expected to be the first step towards deeper and long-term cooperation in the field of the project.