A three-day workshop on the role of media in countering hate speech has concluded in Al-Fashir, North Darfur over the weekend, organizers have said.
The activity held from 24 to 26 April was organized by The Media for Peace Initiative with support from the Saferworld and also aimed at helping participants learn how to address issues of displaced persons and peace-building.
The workshop also discussed the reasons for the rise of hate speech and mechanisms to mitigate it.
Participants learned that this can be done through a media discourse that enhances opportunities for peaceful coexistence between communities and achieves sustainable peace, with priority given to advocating for the issues of displaced persons and refugees.
Dr. Zakaria Adam, the Chairman of the Media for Peace Initiative in North Darfur, and the organizer of the workshop, said the Darfur region has witnessed over 20 years of conflicts and displacement.
“There are significant challenges facing communities in the Darfur region and in the country, especially the wave of displacement after twenty years of conflict. This prompted journalists to organize workshops to advocate for the issues of displaced persons and counter hate speech, in addition to peace-building opportunities,” he explained.
Dr. Adam said the workshop sought to adopt the advocacy option to stand with the victims, given the responsibility and the significant role that the media plays in addressing issues.
He pointed out that the training targeted 30 journalists in a continuous training program during this year in the areas of peace-building, countering hate speech, and addressing issues of displaced persons and refugees.
“Other areas include accepting others, civil education, and preparation for Sudan’s post-war reconstruction program and the media has an active role in achieving sustainable peace, development, and stability,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Al-Rashid Al-Tahir Mohammed, the head of the Sudanese Dramatists Syndicate in North Darfur, said the training was fruitful and will address several issues in the communities.
“The workshop addressed extremely important issues concerning the community and displaced persons in particular, and its outcomes will address several problems, most notably issues of peace and peaceful coexistence.”
He urged organizers to continue with such awareness campaigns, adding that they contribute to peaceful coexistence in North Darfur.
A media personality and broadcaster, Noon Al-Barmaqi, said the workshop was one of the most powerful and significant peace forums in North Darfur in recent times.
She stated that it was a vital initiative in countering hate speech which can achieve its goals through in-depth discussions and analysis.
On his part, Mustafa Abbas, a journalist and media content creator, highlighted that the workshop clarified many concepts, especially for social media activists, and aimed at countering hate speech, promoting moderate discourse, and highlighting important issues.
“These include acceptance of others and managing diversity and the workshop concluded with the formation of advocacy groups for all issues negatively affecting society,” he said.
Abbas urged all content creators and social media activists to play a positive role in disseminating content against hate speech and misinformation.
Another journalist, Sulafa Mohammed Ahmed, called for the adoption of effective tools and mechanisms to counter hate speech and play a positive role in spreading discourse that contributes to peace-building.