[Nicosia, Cyprus] - Hate speech has torn all around the world, also thanks the social media and electronic devices. The Hate Trackers Beyond Borders project (HTBB) aims at informing, preventing, countering, and eradicating online and offline hate speech. The first step in achieving this goal is to spread knowledge and ensure everyone has access to information.
This is why “Hope for Children” CRC Policy Center (HFC) has developed a report to raise awareness about hate speech in Cyprus. While freedom of expression is a right technically guaranteed to many everyone, many people remain unaware of the support systems and reporting mechanisms available to protect themselves.
The report presented here provides an in-depth analysis of the situation in Cyprus, detailing both the legal framework and societal responses to hate speech. Freedom of expression is safeguarded by the 19th article of the Cypriot Constitution while Article 28(2) further emphasizes that: “Every person shall enjoy all the rights and liberties provided for in this Constitution without any direct or indirect discrimination against any person on the ground of his community, race, religion, language, sex, political or other convictions, national or social descent, birth, color, wealth, social class, or on any ground whatsoever, unless there is express provision to the contrary in this Constitution.”
The right to freedom can’t coexist with hate speech, as even mild forms can quickly escalate in intensity. For those who are victims of hate speech, the impact is detrimental—hate speech leads to dehumanization and exclusion, compromising their daily lives and well-being.
Nonviolent communication, grounded in empathy and authentic expression, is essential for fostering understanding and helping others. Activism plays a crucial role in initiating change and can serve as a powerful support system. While social media and new technologies make it easier to connect with others, they also present challenges and potential issues that need to be addressed.
The report also highlights the Psychological First Aid (PFA) Toolkit developed by psychologists at HFC, which examines the mental health consequences of exposure to hate speech. The PFA offers guidance on how to respond to hate speech, emphasizing the importance of taking action, reporting incidents, seeking external support, and practicing self-care. Additionally, it stresses the adaptation of Nonviolent Communication principles. Within the framework of the Hate Trackers Beyond Borders project, HFC contributed to the development of an informative WebApp (available in Greek and English) and conducted a mapping exercise of local support services for victims of hate speech.
Among several recommendations included in the report, capacity-building and informative training on hate speech and discrimination should be provided to law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations. This training would enhance their ability to identify, record, prevent, and combat hate speech and discriminatory practices effectively.
For access to the full document, please visit: Hate Speech in Cyprus Report 2024.
You can find a summary of the content in the following infographic.