Gulistan Abdullah: Hate speech can be countered by publishing a speech based on coexistence

The psychological counselor, Gulistan Abdullah, confirmed that hate speech has a great impact on society because it breaks down structures and social cohesion, and that hatred turns into a fire that burns society, stirs up conflicts, and destroy and harmony in society.

Abdullah’s speech came during the third dialogue session held by Ezdina Organization, yesterday, Thursday, entitled "Discussing hate speech and combating extremism", within the "Hope" project, in the presence of Muslim, Christian and Yazidi clerics and representatives of religious institutions, at the Ezdina's office in the city of Qamishlo/Qamishli.

Abdullah indicated that hate speech can be confronted by publishing an alternative speech based on brotherhood, solidarity and coexistence among all groups without discrimination, and by conducting awareness campaigns, especially for the youth.

Abdullah explained that the media and social networking sites have a great influence on the spread of this phenomenon, as they are mainly responsible for continuously broadcasting hate speech around the clock to viewers, listeners and readers.

Ezdina Organization held its second dialogue session under the title “Women are the core of the development of society” on September 28, in the presence of a group of actors in society, while the first dialogue session entitled "Discussing hate speech and countering extremism",was held on 21 September. In the presence of a group of representatives from media institutions and civil society organizations, in addition to influential and effective personalities in society.

It is worth noting that Ezdina Organization opened its headquarters on the first of last August in the city of Qamishlo/Qamishli, and launched the "Hope" project in the region as part of an academic and professional work program aimed at increasing the awareness of the local community about the Yazidi identity and strengthening rapprochement between the religious components in northeastern Syria by respecting pluralism, accepting the other, and rejecting hate speech and violence.