More information
Description
The project aims at formulating a holistic approach to combating hate speech, which will achieve long-term social change in the field of the right to protection against discrimination and freedom of speech. Hate speech is a growing problem that needs to be addressed through systematic research and monitoring; institutions lack a systematic approach to the problem and citizens find it difficult to understand the channels for reporting hate speech.
Therefore, a holistic approach to the issue has been developed, consisting of activities to monitor and analyze narratives of hate speech; monitoring the implementation of the recommendations for the suppression of hate speech by international bodies, and the development and advocacy of the implementation of the Action Plan to Combat Hate Speech. Involving NGOs in the development and advocacy of the Action Plan will strengthen the civil society’s advocacy role and the project also has a multiplier effect because the methods, tools and approaches to the model of empowerment of vulnerable groups that will be developed, will be multiplied to other NGOs and institutions, which will be able to apply them in their work.
The project realizes the right of all citizens to participate in social and political life, especially minorities and vulnerable social groups, who are most often victims of hate speech. Through training, a media campaign and activities to empower vulnerable groups and NGOs, these vulnerable groups will be further empowered to recognize and report hate speech, in addition to which the broader public will also be informed about the issue. Training will also be conducted for experts in the field of combating hate speech to build the capacity to suppress hate speech from a human rights perspective.
Summary of project results
The project "Strengthening the protection system and empowerment of communities for recognising and comparing hate speach in Croatia" aimed to address the ongoing issue of hate speech, which is a growing problem both in Croatia and across the EU. Despite its prevalence, there is a lack of systematic research, monitoring, and institutional strategies for combating and preventing hate speech. Citizens also face difficulties in identifying proper channels for reporting hate speech to the authorities.
To tackle these challenges, the project adopted a comprehensive approach. This included monitoring the occurrence and narratives of hate speech, analyzing the implementation of international human rights recommendations, and developing and advocating for an Action Plan to combat hate speech. By involving civil society organizations (CSOs) in the creation and advocacy of this Action Plan, the project enhanced the role of civil society in addressing the issue.
The project indirectly contributed to the right of all citizens, especially members of minority and vulnerable groups such as Roma, Serbs, LGBTIQ individuals, refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers, to participate in social and political life. Hate speech not only affects those directly targeted but also harms broader minority communities and undermines democratic society by misusing freedom of expression to violate others'' rights.
Educational activities were also carried out to strengthen the expertise of professionals in combating hate speech from a human rights perspective and to build the capacities of CSOs working with vulnerable groups affected by hate speech.
The project undertook a variety of activities aimed at addressing and combating hate speech. It started with monitoring and analyzing hate speech, which included refining the methodology for tracking such speech and conducting two six-week monitoring cycles. During these cycles, 47 cases of hate speech were collected and reported to relevant authorities. Additionally, 65 citizen reports were gathered and addressed through the “Enough Hate” tool and online communication. The project also assessed the response practices of authorities and moderators, published an analysis of hate speech narratives specifically targeting the LGBTIQ community, and enhanced the capacity of project partners for effective monitoring and reporting. This groundwork provided essential evidence for the development of an Action Plan against hate speech.
The project also focused on monitoring the implementation of international recommendations for combating hate speech. It involved mapping recommendations from international human rights bodies, such as the UN and the Council of Europe, and publishing an analysis of these recommendations. This analysis was publicly presented and discussed at a conference, and the findings were disseminated to relevant experts and stakeholders.
Creating the Action Plan to combat hate speech was another key activity. This included conducting interviews with twelve stakeholders from civil society organizations, independent institutions, and the academic community, and consulting with civil society organizations to draft and publish the Action Plan.
Advocacy for the implementation of the Action Plan involved forming a coalition of seven civil society organizations. The coalition held three meetings, developed an advocacy plan, and engaged with government representatives to present and advocate for the Action Plan. The Action Plan was introduced at roundtable discussions in Rijeka and Zagreb and translated into English for dissemination to European human rights networks.
Capacity-building was a significant component of the project. This included training sessions for law enforcement on handling hate speech cases, online media moderators, and civil society organizations working with vulnerable groups. Workshops were held in Zagreb and Split to strengthen the skills of professionals and volunteers in dealing with hate speech.
A public awareness campaign was launched as well, featuring nine social media posts across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, generating over 66,000 views. The campaign also included three press releases and eleven media articles about the project’s activities.
Organizational development activities included a study visit to Helsinki to learn from Finnish practices in combating hate speech. This visit informed the development of specific measures for the Croatian Action Plan. Strategic planning sessions were conducted for Zagreb Pride, resulting in a strategic plan for 2024-2028. Training on the EU Digital Services Act helped partner organizations prepare for upcoming regulatory changes. Public speaking training was also provided to enhance advocacy efforts, and legal consultation and training were offered to enable Zagreb Pride staff to handle hate speech cases independently after the project concluded.
The project had a significant impact on strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) in combating hate speech from a human rights perspective. This was achieved primarily by enhancing the abilities of CSOs that work with vulnerable groups, including victims of hate speech, and by promoting collaboration and joint advocacy efforts in this area.
The project contributed to the development and improvement of CSOs'' capacity to monitor hate speech online, in the media, and in public spaces, and to report it to relevant institutions. This directly supported the human rights of LGBTIQ individuals and other minority groups who are frequently targeted by hate speech. The project provided tools for reporting hate speech through platforms like "dostajemrznje.org" and facilitated advice and further action for handling these reports, which included filing complaints with state institutions, regulators, and other entities.
Educational activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of CSOs to address hate speech holistically were conducted. These included recognizing, monitoring, and reporting hate speech to ensure the protection of human rights for the groups these organizations support.
The project also increased the capacity of CSOs for collaborative advocacy on hate speech. Networking, sharing knowledge, and conducting research and analysis allowed implementing organizations to expand their understanding of the prevalence and issues related to hate speech. This understanding informed the creation of a comprehensive Action Plan against Hate Speech, based on evidence, human rights principles, and international standards.
The Action Plan, developed through a participatory process involving various stakeholders, provided a solid foundation for a holistic approach to combating hate speech. It includes measures for recognition, monitoring, prevention, awareness-raising, victim empowerment, and strengthening processing mechanisms.
The project bolstered the advocacy capacity of CSOs to protect human rights and address hate speech. It enabled CSOs to advocate for the inclusion of measures from the Action Plan into national and regional public policy proposals. Representatives involved in the development of the Action Plan advocated for stronger measures against hate speech in future policy planning.
Educational activities further strengthened the capacities of law enforcement and prosecutors, providing them with knowledge and skills to address hate speech effectively from a human rights perspective. Joint training sessions for police and prosecutors were organized to promote a comprehensive approach to hate speech.
It can be said that the project significantly improved the ability of CSOs to monitor, report, and respond to hate speech, directly supporting the protection of human rights for vulnerable individuals and groups. The results of monitoring and analysis were used to inform the development of the Action Plan, which now serves as a key advocacy tool for CSOs working on human rights and hate speech prevention. The organizational capacity-building activities also enhanced the project''s ability to address future challenges and inspired specific measures for the ongoing fight against hate speech in Croatia.
Summary of bilateral results
The project benefited significantly from its partnership with the Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) from Oslo. HRHF’s expertise in monitoring and advocating for human rights within international frameworks, such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe, provided crucial support. Their experience was instrumental in mapping and analyzing international recommendations related to hate speech, which was essential for assessing their implementation and developing the Action Plan against hate speech.The main results from this bilateral cooperation include a thorough analysis of how international recommendations on hate speech were applied in Croatia and the formulation of a comprehensive Action Plan to address the issue. HRHF’s involvement ensured that the project leveraged international best practices and standards, enhancing its effectiveness.Looking ahead, the plans to continue this bilateral cooperation involve maintaining and strengthening the ongoing partnership between KLJP and HRHF. This long-term collaboration is expected to further support and refine the project’s objectives and activities, ensuring sustained progress in combating hate speech and upholding human rights.