The Office of the Special Envoy for Syria (OSE-Syria), in cooperation with the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized a one-day national consultation on countering hate speech, bringing together representatives from ten ministries, two national commissions and United Nations partners. The consultation marked an important first step towards developing a national action plan to address hate speech and strengthen social cohesion in Syria.
Convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held with the support of OSE-Syria, the consultation benefited from the participation of two experts from the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide (OSAPG), while the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office represented the wider UN system.
The workshop provided a platform for government institutions to examine the challenges posed by hate speech in the Syrian context. Discussions focused on identifying the main forms, sources and drivers of hate speech, as well as its impact on social cohesion and relations between communities. Participants highlighted the role of historical grievances, social divisions, online platforms and external actors in amplifying harmful narratives, while emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and inclusive national response.
Participants reviewed relevant international standards, including the distinction between freedom of expression and incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. Discussions underscored the importance of aligning future legal and policy measures with international human rights standards while safeguarding freedom of expression. Agreement emerged on the importance of prioritizing prevention, enhancing monitoring and early-warning capacities, and engaging civil society, religious leaders, youth and women in the development of a future national programme of action.
The consultation concluded with agreement on a roadmap for the development of a national action plan on hate speech, including contributions from relevant government institutions, consultations with civil society and religious leaders, and outreach across Syria's governorates, in close cooperation with the United Nations, with the meaningful participation of women integrated throughout all stages of the process.
