About

In Syria, where the scars of war still ravage both society and memory, violence seeps into everyday life, and hate speech becomes entrenched in language, attitudes, and behaviors. From authoritarian rhetoric to media discourse, from digital spaces to violent acts on the ground—verbal and societal extremism has become a reality, fueling more division and fear.

Today, we launch the Center for Countering Violence and Hatred, driven by the conviction that violence is not fate, and hatred is not human nature. It is a constructed narrative—systematically cultivated by polarization policies, unresolved pain, and the absence of justice and accountability.

We believe that nonviolence is not weakness, but a strategic choice for transformation. It helps repair what has been broken and offers communities a chance to escape the ongoing cycle of destruction. Amid this ruin, we see the urgent need for a new discourse—one that resists violence not with more violence, but by naming it, understanding it, critiquing it, and confronting it peacefully. A discourse that rewrites the logic of “either you or me” into “we all deserve to live.”

Hate speech is not merely hurtful words or shocking opinions. It is a practice that excludes, degrades, and incites—targeting groups based on their ethnic, religious, political, or gender identities. In the Syrian context, this discourse takes complex forms: from excommunication and accusations of treason, to questioning one’s belonging, even justifying killing.

Our mission is to expose this discourse, analyze its roots, dismantle its tools, and defend a public space that is free and safe for all.

Our goal is to build an environment that upholds pluralism and difference, and affirms that diversity is not a threat, but a form of social richness worth protecting.

From here, our work begins. And from here, we call on all who believe that Syria deserves a future free from violence and hatred—to join us in this mission.