Pristina, September 20, 2023 – Ombudsperson Naim Qelaj participated in the conference entitled “Hate speech in public discourse”, organized by the European Union and the Council of Europe, which gathered high local representatives, from international organisations, activists and media representatives.

The Ombudsperson said that freedom of expression is important in a democratic society and that this right must be exercised in accordance with other rights. He recalled the state’s obligation to take measures against language that incites hatred that aim individuals or certain groups based on race and racial discrimination, gender-based discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, as well as all forms that essentially they have discrimination and not tolerance.

He added that hate speech based on discrimination against women, LGBTIQ+ persons and other vulnerable groups is increasing, especially on social networks. This poses the need to monitor, prevent and fight this language in all its forms.

The Ombudsman presented some findings from the investigations related to the analysis of school textbooks and hate speech in public discourse. The findings from the evaluation of the language used in the elementary school textbooks are encouraging, due to the fact that a significant advancement and improvement has been found, finding very few cases of hateful or discriminatory language. As for the report on hate speech in public discourse, the Ombudsperson will publish it soon.

In the end, the Ombudsperson called on the authorities to take measures in terms of law enforcement, education and awareness of the harm and risks that hate speech carries, strengthening self-control mechanisms in the field of media and public communication.

Likewise, the authorities should monitor and record cases containing hate speech and timely and efficient response by competent authorities to avoid hate speech, as an opportunity to build a society where human rights and tolerance are respected.