NHRC intensifies community sensitization against Hate – Speech in the Gambia

The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) through its regional office in Upper River Region (URR) recently launched a robust community sensitization campaign across URR and Central River Region (CRR) North and South, aimed at tackling hate speech in The Gambia.

This initiative follows the completion of a research study conducted by the NHRC on the prevalence of Hate Speech in The Gambia, through funding and support from UNESCO and the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

The emergence of hate speech in The Gambia is an increasingly worrying trend, mirroring deeper socio-political and ethnic tensions. Social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and YouTube have not only become tools for political discourse, but also breeding grounds for the spread of misinformation and hate speech.

The ongoing community engagement bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including women leaders, traditional authorities, members of Village Development Committees (VDCs), political representatives, and youth groups. The engagement aims to foster dialogue, raise awareness on the dangers of hate speech, and promote peaceful coexistence.