Dialogue Sessions Discuss Countering Hate Speech and Promoting Peaceful Coexistence in Darfur

The first dialogue session under the “Dialogue and Art for Peace” project was launched in the town of Mellit, North Darfur State. The initiative is being implemented by the Democratic Media Center in partnership with the Al-Etidal Organization, with the aim of combating hate speech, promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence, and contributing to the restoration of the social fabric.

The session attracted broad participation from young people, women, artists, and intellectuals, providing a platform for dialogue and the exchange of views on the manifestations of hate speech, the factors driving its spread, and its impact on social relations, citizenship values, and community peace.

Nasser Sharaf Al-Din, a community peace activist, told Mashaweer that participants, working in discussion groups, developed a number of proposals aimed at countering inflammatory rhetoric and strengthening the role of communities in promoting tolerance and dialogue.

He noted that the session concluded with a set of recommendations and outcomes designed to support ongoing peacebuilding efforts.

Sharaf Al-Din added that the “Dialogue and Art for Peace” project seeks to create safe spaces for dialogue, listening, and expression, while empowering local communities to develop community-based initiatives that help reduce hate speech and social divisions, strengthen social cohesion, and support opportunities for sustainable peace.