28.04.2024. » 11:06 | ACDC

Conference on Hate Speech in Kosovo

On April 25, in Pristina, NGO Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture (ACDC) hosted a public conference titled "Hate Speech in Northern Kosovo."

At the event, the findings of ACDC's research on the perception of hate speech among citizens in northern Kosovo were presented, followed by discussions on the roles of key institutions such as the Council of Europe, the Ombudsperson Institution in Kosovo, and the Office for Good Governance, along with civil society organizations, in responding to hate speech.

Prominent panelists included Ms. Mary Ann Hennessey, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Pristina; Ms. Majlindë Sinani Lulaj, Deputy Ombudsperson in Kosovo; Mr. Habit Hajredini, Director of the Office for Good Governance; and Mr. Dušan Radaković, Executive Director of ACDC.

At the beginning of the conference, NGO ACDC Executive Director, Dušan Radaković presented ACDC's research on hate speech, which aimed to examine residents' perceptions of the prevalence and impact of hate speech in various aspects of daily life and provide a detailed analysis of hate speech in northern Kosovo.

The key findings indicate that hate speech is widespread, particularly online, with a significant percentage of respondents reporting personal encounters with hate speech content. The research findings are available on ACDC's website in all three languages.

Ms. Mary Ann Hennessey, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Pristina, emphasized that the results of the research point to the need to boost citizens' confidence in public institutions and further work to bridge the gap in those divided societies.

“Fighting against hate speech is essential to safeguard our human rights, our freedom of expression, our freedom of assembly in safety and dignity, whether in person, online, or in public spaces. To fight hate speech effectively requires teamwork, creativity, and determination.”

Ms. Majlindë Sinani Lulaj, Deputy Ombudsperson in Kosovo, emphasized the need for concerted efforts to bring communities closer together, allowing language to evolve into a more acceptable form.

"The Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo (OIK) represents an institution that should maintain a balance in respecting rights, which is the main rhetoric of the OIK. The Ombudsperson must look at freedom of expression and hate speech from all perspectives and play its role in preserving citizens' trust in terms of assessing and adjudicating on freedom of expression, which is fundamental in a democratic society.

Mr. Habit Hajredini, Director of the Office for Good Governance, highlighted the detrimental effects of hate speech, particularly on sensitive and vulnerable groups.

"Wherever there is hate speech, there are different problems, and the biggest targets are sensitive and vulnerable groups. We have seen this in numerous reports. We as a government have given priority to preventing and combating hate speech and discrimination. Our main priority is vulnerable groups.”

Mr. Hajredini further discussed the responsibilities and mandate of the Office for Good Governance in protecting human rights and combating hate speech in Kosovo. He highlighted the government's initiatives, including the launch of a campaign and platform to prevent hate speech. Additionally, he mentioned that a document outlining standards for government officials to prevent hate speech will be developed and prioritized.

The conference highlighted the urgent need for collective action to combat hate speech and underscored the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding to build a more inclusive and tolerant society in Kosovo.