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This day marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat hate speech, misinformation and disinformation in The Gambia, and promote access to fair and quality information, in the service of sustainable development (0DD 16.10). With a celebration hosted by Peacehub The Gambia, UN Women and the UNESCO Regional Office in Dakar brought together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to creating peace and social cohesion. 

A panel discussion provided a platform for experts and activists to share their insights on the current state of hate speech within the context of The Gambia. The panelists, drawn from various sectors including academia, civil society, and the media, engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue. They explored the root causes of hate speech, its impact on communities, and effective strategies to counteract it. The discussion underscored the need for a multi-faceted approach, combining education, policy, and community engagement. 

The event was held on 21 August 2024 at the OIC Conference Centre and began with an opening ceremony attended by the Resident Coordinator of the UN in The Gambia, Mr. Karl-Frederick Paul, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Government of The Gambia, Mr. Baboucarr Sankanu, and Mr. Ebrima Sankareh a representative of the Ministry of Information. The speakers underscored the detrimental effects of hate speech on society which resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the collective responsibility to promote respectful and inclusive dialogue. During his welcoming remarks, Bakary Sonko Executive Director for Peacehub pointed out the role of youth in fighting against hate speech stating “Despite all the challenges youth face, they continue to be key players in the fight against hate speech. Normalizing hate speech deteriorates sustainable peace which is why young people are the most valuable assets in this fight.”  

Omar Bah from the National Youth Council highlighted the work they are doing to reach young people across the country to build their capacity on media and information literacy in combatting hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, to enable them to fact check and verify information.  

One of the highlights of the celebration was the thematic working group session, which focused on empowering youth to take an active role in combating hate speech. Young participants were given the opportunity to voice their concerns and propose innovative solutions. Through collaborative discussions, they charted actionable plans to address hate speech in their communities. This session not only fostered a sense of ownership among the youth but also highlighted their crucial role in shaping a more tolerant and inclusive society. Muhammed Ceesay presenting on behalf of his group highlighted the need for CSOs to partner with government and be involved in the creation of policy. This will create ownership and allow them to thoroughly understand the frameworks.  

Resident Coordinator Karl-Frederick Paul highlighted the role of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action in combatting hate speech without infringing on the right to freedom of expression. He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to ending hate speech and supporting targeted individuals to be treated with dignity and respect. 

Isatou Keita, a journalist reminded participants the role that the media plays in preventing hate speech. She urged media personnel not to amplify hate speech but rather should caution politician and featured guest on avoiding hate speech. Ya Amie Touray, a lawyer pointed to the dangers of online gender-based violence which is increasingly targeting women, girls and rights advocates. While she highlighted the negative effects it has on the lives and wellbeing of victims she reiterated the need for mobile and technological companies to engage in effective moderation that allows them to flag hateful content and take it down to minimize harm.  

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to continue the fight against hate speech. The collaborative efforts of Peacehub The Gambia, UN Women, and the UNESCO Office in Dakar were lauded for creating a platform that not only raised awareness but also inspired concrete actions. The event stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the unwavering spirit of the Gambian youth in their pursuit of a harmonious society.