Dialogue Workshop in Syria Explores Mechanisms to Counter Hate Speech and Protect Religious and Ethnic Diversity

As part of a new step to support pathways to civil peace and promote values of mutual respect, ACT, in cooperation with the Regional Network for Reconciliation and Forgiveness in the Arab Region, organized a virtual dialogue session aimed at discussing the phenomenon of hate speech and its impact on social cohesion in Syria. The workshop focused in particular on issues related to religious and ethnic minorities and ways to safeguard Syria’s diversity amid current challenges. This initiative reflects the commitment of ACT and the Regional Network for Reconciliation and Forgiveness in the Arab Region to supporting national and regional efforts to build more stable and harmonious societies.

The workshop brought together more than 20 participants from across Syrian society, including representatives of religious and ethnic minorities, civil society activists, academics, and youth and women leaders engaged in issues of civil peace.

The sessions were marked by interactivity and depth, as participants discussed the manifestations of religious hate speech in the Syrian context and its social and political dimensions. They also analyzed the factors contributing to its escalation, including incitement based on sectarian or ethnic grounds. The workshop provided a platform for exchanging ideas and developing practical proposals to limit hate speech through the creation of a national action plan that promotes citizenship, coexistence, and respect for diversity.