This check list will help you to assess how far the message you have developed is human rights-based and if it could be developed further.
The primary goal of human rights-based counter-narratives is always to promote respect for human dignity and solidarity amongst groups and individuals. A narrative aimed at countering hate shall not include any form of hate speech or discrimination itself, and especially not reinforce schemes of hate and scapegoating.
Please take your message, take it through the check-list criteria below. If they apply click "Yes", or if not, or if you are not sure, click "No". The more criteria that your message meets, the closer it is to being a human rights based message, supporting and promoting a culture of human rights. We propose that with each criteria that does not apply , you think of ways, phrases, content that could reshape your message.
The various criteria are combined into 3 main clusters - rights-based approach, call and intent of the message, content of the message. At the end you will get a diagram, showing which cluster needs most improvement and receive some ideas and examples how to do it.
The message does not violate anyone's human dignity
1 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message does not provoke discrimination towards anyone
1 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message is based on human rights values and principles
1 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message calls for action supporting everyone's rights
1 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message has a clear link to one of the human rights
1 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message uses facts, that were checked, are from trustworth sources, and avoids manipulation of the information.
10 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message speaks "for" , and not "against" people, groups etc.
10 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message uses inclusive and sensitive language
10 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message does not reinforce/create stereotypes or prejudices towards anyone or group
10 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message has no call for violence of any kind (phisycal, verbal, emotional, phsychological, etc)
10 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message challenges inequalities or power relations
100 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message contributes to human rights culture promotion
100 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message supports/empowers the concerned people
100 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message helps to rethink one's approach to a situation or issue
100 Yes
0 No or not sure
The message helps create a feeling of respect and valuing all human beings.
100 Yes
0 No or not sure
supporting the culture of human rights in general
content of the messages: minding your language
rights-based approach and actions
Results
Supporting the culture of human rights in general
Needs more work
Human rights-based messages countering or providing alternative to hate speech have several important elements to be considered. Such as promoting understanding of the human rights values and principles, and that their application in practical life is essential for the promotion of culture of human rights. We suggest to get a deeper understanding of the field by diving into the COMPASS manual on human rights education with young people and read more about human rights based narratives in the We Can manual.
Could be improved
You have a good starting point for creating human rights-based messages for the promotion of the culture of human rights, and with a little input and support, your messages can improve and become more powerful. We suggest you could get a better understanding of the practical considerations by getting familiar with COMPASS manual on human rights education with young people.
Criteria mainly fulfilled
You have very good understanding of what a human rights culture is, how the rights and dignity of people can be respected, promoted and valued through the use of messages.
Content of the messages: minding your language
Needs more work
Language, terms and concepts, figurative speech, metaphors, images play an essential role in messages and narratives. They say more than a simple sequence of letters or words can. Human rights-based messages need to strive to use appropriate and acceptable words and terms. To get a better understanding of the approach to this, please consult Linguistic self-defence guide against Antisemitism and Islamophobia of the “Get the trolls out!” to have very practical tips on how to make messages sensitive.
Could be improved
You seem to have quite some understanding of how to construct the messages, what to use and what to avoid. In order to improve this skill even more, we suggest you have a look at the Linguistic self-defence guide against Antisemitism and Islamophobia of “Get the trolls out!”.
Criteria mainly fulfilled
Good job. You realise the importance of minding the language used, being very careful and sensitive to use of metaphors, images and figure of speech etc, which means you realise how words and phrases can accidentally impact and change what you might want to convey.
Rights-based approach and actions
Needs more work
Mobilising your readers for a culture of human rights, means calling for action and actively expressing support for equal access to human rights for all human beings, dignity and respect for each person regardless of differences. This is an important aim of launching human rights-based narratives to hate speech. It is important to improve your ability to call for action and motivate people to join you calling through your messages, we suggest you could consult the WE CAN! Taking Action against Hate Speech through Counter and Alternative Narratives to get inspired, for tips and tricks.
Could be improved
Your message seems to have the potential to mobilise others to stand for a culture of human rights, but there is potential to improve towards another level. We would suggest that you widen your spectrum of both understanding of the narrative building based on human rights, and strengthen your ability and knowledge on approaches and actions by having a look at the WE CAN! Taking Action against Hate Speech through Counter and Alternative Narratives manual for inspiring examples and hints on actions.
Criteria mainly fulfilled
You have a very good understanding of human rights approaches to mobilise for actions and seem to be well skilled to put that understanding into words and phrases supporting action and empowerment of the people who most need it.
