What happens when young people are given space to talk openly about understanding and empathy? In Zavidovići, 23 secondary school students spent two days doing exactly that - questioning harmful narratives, challenging hate speech, and exploring how their voices can help shape a more inclusive society.

On 12 and 13 December, the two-day workshop “Harmful Narratives and Hate Speech” was held in Zavidovići, implemented through a partnership between the Council of Europe and the NGO Local Democracy Agency.

Through an interactive programme, participants strengthened their ability to recognise, understand and respond to hate speech in public and online spaces. Conversations, group discussions, role-playing and collaborative exercises invited students to reflect on real-life situations and to jointly develop counter-narratives grounded in respect, empathy, and understanding.

Participants particularly valued the dynamic approach, which encouraged honest exchange and practical learning. The sessions addressed different forms of harmful narratives and explored how such behaviour affects individuals and communities.

“We talked about various harmful narratives, such as ridiculing, humiliation, insults and the like, and how people feel when something like that happens to them. We learned we should always be mindful when speaking, even when joking around, because our differences do not endanger our unity - they strengthen it,” said one of the participants, Hana.

Creativity also played a central role in the workshop. Students worked on ideas how to visually and narratively spread messages that counter hate in public spaces, the media and online. They were supported in this process by artist Miran Mujačić, a painter, muralist and graphic designer from Tuzla, who guided them in turning values of respect and solidarity into powerful visual messages.

The workshop placed strong emphasis on awareness, self-protection and solidarity. “We learned how to be more aware when looking around ourselves, pay more attention and recognise when hate speech is present. We also learned skills to help us react - whether it is about protecting ourselves or supporting someone else who might be in this situation,” said another participant, Asja.

By combining dialogue, creativity and practical tools, the workshop helped young people build confidence to challenge harmful narratives and promote respect and inclusion in their everyday lives and communities.

The workshop was supported by the Council of Europe through its project “Combating discrimination, hate, and racism in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” which is implemented under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025.