Hate speech is on the rise across Europe, jeopardising social cohesion and putting human rights under threat. In the Western Balkans, hate speech particularly targets members of vulnerable groups, who have already been affected by stigma and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic. To counter this phenomenon, the European Union and the Council of Europe launched in December 2020 a new campaign for the Western Balkans – “Block the hatred. Share the love.”
Considering the epidemiological situation, the campaign will take place entirely online, through dedicated Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages: “Block the hatred. Share the love.” and will be ongoing in the years to come. Civil activists, journalists, students and all those who think that love can fight hate, are invited to be part of this campaign by following and sharing the posts, by using their messages to respond to various forms of hate affecting their private and community life or that of family members, friends or any other individuals.
The No-Hate Speech Ambassadors, prominent public figures from the Western Balkans, will actively take part in the campaign
