By Maria Tahiri in Casablanca
for Magharebia
Founders Wiam Rabii, Hassan Benzalla and Insaf Ghizlani (left to right) launch the “No hate speech in Morocco” movement in Marrakesh
Young Moroccans establish a movement to renounce hatred and encourage the acceptance of others.
Some Moroccan youths decided that the most effective way to encourage tolerance in the kingdom would be to launch their own activist group.
The “No hate speech in Morocco” campaign made its debut at the World Forum on Human Rights, held November 28th-30th in Marrakech. The founding members say their movement aims to encourage young people to fight intolerance.
Magharebia spoke with leader Hassan Benzalla to discuss the new project.
Magharebia: Why was a branch of the movement founded here?
Hassan Benzalla: First, “No hate speech in Morocco” is an extension of the international movement against hate speech launched previously by the Council of Europe.
We copied the version here because we felt that, in the virtual world, as in everyday life, each and every one is subject to have one of his rights and his dignity affected by hatred and racist speech. This makes us all rise up against this speech that demeans human dignity, and … obstructs the democratic transition and political and social stability.
Magharebia: Which principles and programmes will you use to fight hate?
Benzalla: These are the principles that we consider a priority in our struggle and our programmes to renounce violence and to promote a true spirit of nationalism in the hearts of young people. These principles are primarily concerned with the education of young people and citizens in general in order to sensitise them to the dangers of hate speech. We will also work on the mobilisation and training of young activists…
Our young people will also contribute to the support of individuals and groups targeted by hate speech in Morocco and to show solidarity with them…
Magharebia: Do you think Morocco’s reputation for tolerance is being threatened?
Benzalla: Of course, Morocco was and is still home for co-existence and tolerance. However, recently and with the increasing number of immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa… we are witnessing a kind of inhumane behaviour and visible hate toward these Africans. Unfortunately, this situation has evolved to reach, in some cases, the point of killing a number of them in clashes with the residents of some areas…
These practices stirred in us the spirit of solidarity, generosity, and hospitality… We decided to move before we totally lose this morality and work to save our place among civilised nations, so as not to see the situation worsen even more. Our country has always been a source of safety and security, and should remain so.
Magharebia: Describe the followers of your movement.
Benzalla: …Young people conscious and interested in the future of their country and its place among nations, aware that hate speech can only lead to other societal phenomena that exclude others, not only African migrants, but Moroccans themselves.
This is reflected… in violence against women, in ignoring or rejecting persons with disabilities, in the exploitation of children… All those who feel the capability to confront this must do so without hesitation…
The movement targets all young people, as well as youth organisations in order for them to have the necessary means to denounce all forms of incitement, justification of racism and xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and generally all forms of discrimination on grounds of colour, sex, national origin, religion or sexuality, or other forms of hatred based on intolerance.
In short, the movement contributes to encourage young Moroccans to oppose these speeches and respond to them.
