In the digital era that we live in, what we read, and see, every day on our smartphones and laptops, affects our thinking. Social media tends to be contaminated with hate speech and damaging narratives. The impact of journalism is well-known, and therefore encouraging journalists to counter hate speech is critical.
The "Young Journalists" project is an inspiring initiative of young people who are committed to fighting hate speech through positive and historical perspectives with human narratives. This project encourages young journalists to address important life issues in a fresh and creative way. This initiative is part of the joint-UN regional initiative “Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust”, supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, implemented in Kosovo by UNDP and UNFPA.
Eight journalists from Kosovo, from different ethnic backgrounds, Erlinë Koca, Bleona Thaqi, Bilijana Vlaskovic, Emilija Stanojevic, Jasir Misini, Fatjona Rudi, Etrit Rexhepi and Laureta Sopa, became part of the project to contribute as individuals in fighting hate speech and divisive narratives. Five of these journalists are Albanian, two are Serbs and one is from the Roma community.
All of them have shared stories, featuring religious tolerance and youth as agents of change, regardless of gender and ethnicity, that have impacted society through positive storytelling. Each one of these journalists worked for different local media and they published stories against hate speech and misinformation while reaching a wide array of audiences.
Erlinë Koca passionately stresses religious tolerance and harmony in combating hate speech. She says that religious coexistence should be present at every moment.
Erlinë Koca (speaking with the microphone)
"Religious tolerance is the highest expression of respect for differences of beliefs and a path to peaceful coexistence in this changing and culturally rich world", says Erlinë Koca.
Bleona Thaqi shed light on the girls' passion for football and showcased their talents in this sport. She is an inspiring voice who claims that despite prejudice, young men and women can do what they dream of and have the capacity to achieve what they love and admire.
"Girls in sport are an inspiration to everyone who hears about them. They represent the values of talent, strength and success, and champion gender equality”, says Bleona Thaqi.
Etrit Rexhepi has an important role in the fight against disinformation. His purpose is to highlight the truth in the field of digital disinformation and lead society towards transparency and freedom of speech. He is a passionate defender of accurate information and a beacon of light towards a more informed society.
"The verification of facts is the cornerstone of an informed and just society”, says Etrit Rexhepi:
Etrit Rexhepi, (in the middle. Picture taken at UN House)
Biljana Vlaskovic aims to raise people’s awareness of the complex relations between Serbia and Kosovo. She is a promoter of peace and ethnic tolerance and works diligently to help build bridges between people. Biljana believes that increased awareness and dialogue are the first steps towards a bright future for both societies.
"The good relations between the two societies are like an artistic work of peace, where the stones of conflict are replaced by those of cooperation and open roads to a bright and peaceful future”, she says.
Bilijana Vlaskovic (Photo taken at Kosovo-Serb media “Kossev portal”)
Fatjona Rudi devotes attention to the role of women in sports journalism. By conducting interviews with sports journalists, Fatjona emphasizes that despite the challenges, women are determined to help create a positive change in the world of sports journalism. They are a source of inspiration to all, proving that dreams are achievable through dedication and hard work.
"Girl sports journalists are the road guides in the world of sports and remind everyone that passion and talent have no gender but are values that dominates the world of information”, she claims.
Fatjona Rudi (picture was taken at UN House)
Emilja Stanojevic researched the impact of technology on the spread of hate speech and discovered that a large percentage of such language appears on social media. These platforms are often where individuals express their hateful views, spread discrimination, and promote social disruption. However, Emilja Stanojevic mentioned that we can use technology and social media as a powerful tool to fight hate speech on social networks.
“Let's use social media to help and inspire, not to spread hatred and conflict”, says Emilja Stajonevic.
Jasir Misini pointed out that, despite the challenges and obstacles they face, members of a non-majority community can discover their talent and passion. It reminds us that each of us, regardless of the community to which we belong, is completely free and entitled to walk the path to success.
"When we come together to discover and develop our talent, we can create a common vision that leads to a brighter and more prosperous future for all”, says Jasir Misini.
Jasir Misini (In the right, picture was taken at Journalist’s Information Integrity Academy)
Laureta Sopa led the voice to bring together different people in a multi-ethnic society. Other languages should be learnt in educational institutions, opening the way to a richer learning.
"Languages make up the different notes of our culture, history and identity. A society that takes care of all its languages is a gallery of undivided assets, where each word reveals its own colour and voice", says Laureta Sopa.
Laureta Sopa (Picture taken at UN House)
The contribution of all these journalists is like a beautiful melody that descends in people’s hearts. They are driven by the conscious desire to change the world for the better, cultivating an environment built on respect, tolerance, and love. Through their words of wisdom and their courageous actions, they spread knowledge and solidarity to extinguish the shadow of hatred and remember how important it is to come together to promote peace and harmony in a changing society. Their contribution reminds us that we are all together in this journey to build a better and fairer world for all.
Story by: Erlinë Koca, (author) and Përparim Leka, (editor).
Photos by: Xhemail Sllovinja
