Being in an environment where hate speech is often normalised in everyday life - conversations, media and online spaces, makes it harder to recognise and even harder to challenge.

Understanding how hate speech is deep rooted stigmas and stereotypes, and how it translates into discrimination, exclusion, and inequality, is the first step towards meaningful change that was addressed in a recent workshop with young people from Eastern Georgia. Over three days, 22 schoolchildren moved beyond theory to explore how it happens in real life. Through interactive and practice-oriented sessions, they learned more about human rights and analysed how hate speech is formed, particularly in digital space, exploring the balance between freedom of expression and protection from hate speech.

A strong focus was placed on practical responses, as participants worked on identifying and addressing bullying and cyberbullying, questioning stereotypes and developing counter-narratives needed to respond in everyday situations. 

“I came here with so many beliefs on gender roles, and absolutely no understanding of how can hate speech and bulling harm. This seminar has changed me in so many ways, I know now that even smallest actions can change many things for better” – reported one of the participants.

The workshop applied the Council of Europe’s educational methodologies, including tools from Compass, Bookmarks and the WE CAN! campaign, ensuring a participatory and learner-centred approach and making learning both relevant and actionable.

By the end of the training, participants showed stronger ability to critically analyse hate speech, better understand its impact on individuals and society, and respond constructively, contributing to more inclusive and respectful communities.

Strengthening regional action

All activities implemented in the regions of Georgia contributed to enhancing cooperation at the local level to supporting sustainable mechanisms for combating hate speech and strengthening human rights protection at regional level.  The regional activities further contribute to the increased knowledge on and visibility of the Council of Europe and European Union.

• Human rights defenders in Ajara launch Anti-Hate Speech Network
• Training in Batumi strengthens efforts to combat hate speech

These events are part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project “Combating Hate Speech in Georgia’’.