What are the most effective responses to hate speech and violence? To address the rising trend of hate speech and hate crimes, APC will be hosting a series of presentations that have a special focus on the Asian context, but are also relevant to the wider framework of freedom of expression worldwide. We want to particularly invite journalists and media specialists to join us.
The initiative, which takes place in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is an opportunity to understand and discuss the realities of hate, including as it plays out in online spaces, the impact on targeted communities, especially women, the decisive roles states play in the realisation of violence, and our responses to such hatred and violence. It will be facilitated by Dr. V. Geetha, a renowned feminist activist and writer, who specialises in issues related to caste, religion, gender, sexuality, labour and civil rights.
These sessions are part of our project Challenging hate narratives and violations of freedom of religion and expression online in Asia, which focuses on freedom of expression and religion in South and Southeast Asia, and on understanding and countering hate speech online, by generating narratives and discourses that defend diverse opinions.
The presentations will incorporate feminist arguments on non-violence and an ethics of care, as well as perspectives that have emerged out of religious world views. They will be followed by a discussion where participants will be encouraged to share their experiences.
When?
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10 June 2020 - Part I: Deconstructing the gendered nature of religion-based hate and violence
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17 June 2020 - Part II: Adoption of hate as a political tool by states
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24 June 2020 - Part III: Reflections on responses to hatred, hate speech and violence
All sessions will start at 9 UTC. The meeting will be taking place via the Zoom platform. To connect directly, follow this link, or access the call with the following meeting ID: 85654951510.
More information
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Follow updates and help us amplify the message through the #ChallengeHate and #SpeakingofHatred hashtags on Twitter
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Access our press section to stay updated on pressing news
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For interviews, coverage and other press inquiries, contact Leila Nachawati, APC’s media outreach lead: leila@apc.org