Following the occasion of World Refugee Day, Agenzija Zghazagh, SOS Malta, integra Foundation, Kopin, African Media Association Malta, Migrant Women Association Malta and Spark 15 are joining forces under the ‘Connect from the heart campaign’, initiated through the No Hate Movement by Council of Europe. This initiative seeks to stop online hate speech, in particular hate speech targeting refugees, asylum seekers, IDP’s and migrants, and the respect of their human rights.
The 20 June was declared International Refugee Day in 2001, to mark the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. We are witnessing now an unprecedented situation, where the so called ‘refugee crisis’ continues to provoke heated debates on the impact it has on the European communities. Under the guise of freedom of expression, the crisis has given rise to a furore of racist, xenophobic and aggressive nationalist statements that echo the darkest times of European history
These are unprecedented times, as millions of people have been forced to flee their homes in search of protection beyond their borders. International Human Rights law, and basic principles of humanity and decency, demand that these people are treated with respect. The ‘Connect from the heart’ initiative calls for action both online and offline. Rather being used as a tool to express hatred, the online challenge asks us all to use social media to fight hate speech. More information can be found on the social media pages of Agenzija Zghazagh, SOS Malta, integra Foundation, Kopin, African Media Association Malta, Migrant Women Association Malta and Spark 15.
The offline event will be held on 8 July, where the organisers are inviting everyone to join on a ‘Connect from the heart’ march. The gathering will provide an opportunity for us to take a stand together to publicly condemn hate speech targeting migrants and refugees. The event will start at 18:00pm in Valletta at the City Gate. To find out more about the march please access the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/621767024639299/ or contact SOS Malta: [email protected] or +35621335097.