The eight March of Tolerance

In anticipation of the International Day for Tolerance (November 16th), the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, with the support of organizations in the Platform against Hate Speech, is organizing the eighth March of Tolerance, to be held on November 13, 2016, Sunday beginning at 12 o’clock with a starting point at the Museum of the City of Skopje.

Under the slogan “Hate is a Weakness,” we dedicate this year’s March to the fight against hate speech and hate crimes. Working jointly in the Hate Speech Platform, the following organizations gave their support to the March: the LGBTI Support Center, Metamorphosis Foundation for Internet and Society, the Youth Educational Forum (MOF), the Macedonian Institute for Media (MIM), Civil – Center for Freedom, Paktis Prilep and Multikultura (Tetovo),

Promoting and spreading hate speech, as well as committing hate crimes, are incompatible with the functioning of a democratic society, in which it is necessary to cultivate pluralism, tolerance and openness of the mind. Unfortunately, contrary tothe democratic values, in our everyday life, we increasingly face hate speech. Instead of eradicating this devastating phenomenon, hate speech is used fiercely, for any purpose. Dictated by the socio-political developments, it changes its form and shape, but the consequences are always the same. It goes deep into the dignity of the individuals or all representatives of a sensitive group and takes away all hope for their acceptance, understanding and respect.

Therefore, we urge you to give your support to the victims of hate speech and hate crimes and to fight together for its eradication.

DATE: 13.11.2016

TIME: 12:00, at noon

PLACE: Museum of the City of Skopje

MARCH ROUTE: Museum of the City of Skopje – Macedonia Street, the plateau in front of the SEE University, Old Bazaar

At the end of the March Route, there will be screening of the video campaign against hate speech, prepared by the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights.