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Natrag First Lady Elizabeta Gorgievska supports the campaign against hate speech "Block the hatred. Share the love!" launched today in Skopje

PRESS RELEASE

‘Recognizing hatred in our society, is the first step to combat it and to make all of us aware that even the smallest gestures or actions in our daily life matters to ensure tolerance and respect, ultimately peace and reconciliation in our society.' This was highlighted today in Skopje, during the launch of the joint campaign of the European Union and the Council of Europe, “Block the Hatred. Share the Love!”, focused on combating hate speech.

Katalin Tamus, Head of Programmes in the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje welcomed the participants and highlighted the continuous support to public authorities in their efforts to fight hate speech and hate crimes especially for the most vulnerable communities in our society. “This campaign aims to raise awareness about the various forms of hate speech that target specific communities and individuals in the society, as well as to promote different ways of fighting hate speech, primarily by spreading positive messages and an attitude of acceptance, and respect for diversity," stressed Tamus.

In her remarks Elizabeta Gjorgievska, First Lady of the Republic of North Macedonia shared the importance of co-operation and commitment of all the actors in the fight against hate speech and hate crimes “Every individual in the institutions, from top decision makers down to civil servants, should be equally committed to combat any form of discrimination that can generate tensions in our society.”, said Gjorgievska

In his address, Freek Janmaat, Head of Operations for economic development, rule of law, public administration in the European Union Delegation in Skopje highlighted the European Commission recent initiative ‘Communication to the European Parliament and the Council’, to extend the list of EU crimes to hate speech and hate crime, and thus enable an effective and comprehensive criminal law approach to these phenomena at EU level, along with a consistent protection of the victims of such acts. “However, hate speech and hate crime need to be addressed also through prevention by recognising these dangerous phenomena. Therefore, both stakeholders and citizens, young and adults, can join hands in addressing these issues, starting with collaboration, education and awareness raising, re-establishing a debate culture which is based on mutual respect and through exchange of arguments and counter arguments, respect of human dignity, acceptance of diversity…” emphasised Janmaat

Chair of the Commission on Prevention and Protection against Discrimination in North Macedonia, Vesna Bendevska, highlighted that “…The message of this campaign should reach every citizen, pointing to the real danger of hate speech that is increasingly present among us in all spheres of life, especially on social media. That is why this campaign is aimed at the speech of love, because love is an act of approval, not discrimination, acceptance and tolerance regardless of race, ethnic, religious, political or sexual orientation. Not all forms of discrimination activities are related to hate speech, but almost all hate speech is based on discrimination.“

In his remarks, Filip Popovski, Secretary General, Football Federation of North Macedonia joined the event emphasizing the importance of fighting hate speech in every field in the society including sport. “Football Federation of North Macedonia, through its platform emphasizes our strong commitment to celebrate inclusiveness and diversity. Our game brings together different nationalities and religions, it means spreading friendship, equality and promoting a healthy lifestyle and sports culture.I encourage all young people to actively participate in the campaign and to convey the message of this project for the presence of peace, friendship and equality on the sports fields, as well as in everyday life.“ he concluded

The “Block the Hatred. Share the Love!” campaign aims to raise awareness of the various forms of hate speech targeting specific communities and individuals in the Macedonian society, and ways of combatting it. During the next months this awareness raising movement will be extended in ‘online’ through the web and social media channels, as well as through public events. The campaign will involve prominent public figures, important institutions and key human rights activists, who will promote diversity and equality in the local communities and in the region, through personal storytelling, testimonies and exchange of good practices.

Important public figures from North Macedonia have come forward in support of this campaign as ‘No-Hate Speech’ Ambassadors, including: Luljeta Ademi - civil society activist; Denis Jankulovski - medical worker and European of the Year 2021; Silvana Mucic Plevnesh - famous singer and part of the popular group Silvi Band, Ognen Janeski – TV host and human rights activist; Besfort Idrizi - actor; and Young European Ambassadors Dona Srdikj. They had the opportunity to share their messages during the launching event and raised their voices for a free society without hate and discrimination.