“For me, FoRB is not about religion itself, it’s about people. It’s about everyone’s right to believe or not believe, to practice or abstain, regardless of privilege…” Emina Frljak, Youth for Peace CC, Bosnia Herzegovina
“As I worked on this book, I was deeply inspired by the stories of individuals and communities courageously standing against hate despite enormous challenges.” Lejla Hasandedic, Youth for Peace CC, Bosnia Herzegovina
Standing strong to reduce violence, members of two URI Cooperation Circles located in previously warring countries in Eastern Europe worked together to develop a timely resource to combat ongoing hostilities and hate speech.
The ABC of Hate Speech and Freedom of Religion or Belief, is a handbook that aims to engender a brave spirit, provide essential information and offer practical ways to confront hate speech.
Supported financially by The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations - Youth Solidarity Fund, this book is the result of local interfaith efforts by members of the Sombor Education Center CC (SEC) in Serbia and the Youth for Peace CC (YFP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Editor - Emina Frljak. Editorial team - Azra Mustafić and Lejla Hasandedić-Đapo.
This book looks at the relationship between freedom of religion or belief and the incidents of hate speech based on religious and cultural identities. Its integral approach brings clarity to complex issues, provides key historical references, lists global peace-building initiatives and offers interactive lessons.
Emina’s commitment to enlist young adults is evident in training she facilitates using activities from the ABC book. Ten students from Bosnia and ten from Serbia came together in Sarajevo recently to discuss that freedom of religious belief is not only a legal right but a way of life.
Historical references exemplify how hate speech fuels hostilities and leads to violence. Emina plans to partner with other groups to gather young adults from Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo and help them learn how to say no to hate speech and stand for freedom of belief, mutual respect and lasting peace.
Lejla writes “The ABC of Hate Speech and Freedom of Religion or Belief is more than just a publication—it’s a call to action in a world increasingly polarized by misunderstandings and intolerance. This work was deeply personal because it stemmed from a need to contribute to create space where respect for diversity can thrive and where every individual can feel seen, heard and valued.”
Endorsement Truly fantastic!! A great and needed resource. I love how accessible this book feels. Congratulations and gratitude to URI Europe Cooperation Circle SEC (Sombor Education Center) from Serbia and Youth for Peace (YFP) from Bosnia and Herzegovina for this thoughtful and instructive collaboration! The Reverend Lauren Van Hamm, Earth Restoration Coordinator, URI Global Staff.
Invitation
Join the entire URI global community to confront hate speech and prevent violence.
Every day, we have the opportunity
-and responsibility-
to stop the spread of Hate Speech.
Together we can make a difference
For more excellent resources go to: https://www.uri.org/WePreventViolence