News - Breaking the Silence: Young Voices Against Anti-Roma Hate Speech

Hate speech doesn’t appear out of nowhere — it reveals deeper cracks in our society. Across Europe and in Romania, the Roma community continues to face persistent discrimination, exclusion, and harmful stereotypes. At No Hate Embassy Romania, a youth-led campaign coordinated by GEYC, we’re taking a stand — not just to raise awareness, but to drive real change.

No Hate Embassy is part of a powerful international movement happening in six countries: Romania, Italy, France, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. While the forms of hate speech differ from one place to another, our shared goal remains the same: to build inclusive, resilient communities and to confront hate where it lives — online, in schools, in public discourse, and beyond.

Why We Focus on Anti-Roma Hate Speech

Anti-Roma hate speech is one of the most persistent and damaging forms of racism in Europe — yet it often goes unnoticed or unchallenged. Whether in media, classrooms, social media posts, or everyday conversations, harmful narratives about Roma people feed into exclusion and discrimination.

Our campaign focuses on raising awareness, challenging stereotypes, and empowering young people to speak up. Through creative campaigns, community events, and storytelling, we want to uncover the mechanics of hate speech — how it spreads, why it persists, and how we can dismantle it together.

"This intercultural experience reminded us: hate speech is a global issue, but change starts locally — through knowledge, empathy, and collaboration."

Youth as Leaders of Change

We believe that real change begins with awareness, empathy, and action. That’s why we’re bringing together young people from across Romania to take part in workshops, public actions, and digital campaigns that shine a light on anti-Roma hate speech.

By working with Roma voices and activists, we’re creating a space where solidarity matters — and where young people are not just participants, but leaders of a movement toward dignity and justice.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• AI presents unique challenges in the spread of false information, especially when content is shared in good faith.
• A multi-faceted approach is essential — combining fact-checking, platform design, and youth empowerment.
• Digital platforms are key — not just in spreading hate, but also in amplifying accurate, inclusive narratives.
• Ongoing dialogue with professionals and policymakers helps us stay ahead of the evolving landscape.

💬 Whether you’ve experienced hate speech, seen it happen, or just want to be part of the solution — this campaign is for you! Join us in building communities where empathy, diversity, and justice lead the way.

👉 Follow our journey on GEYC's platforms and get involved in the upcoming activities of the No Hate Embassy Fellowship.