Working against hate crime, racism and discrimination in their online expression and for creating safer and freer society, the No Hate Speech Movement is initiating to establish 22 July as the European Day for Victims of Hate Crime.

ERYICA gives its full support to this initiative and joins the campaigners and activists of the No Hate Speech Movement in inviting European institutions and the member states of the Council of Europe to establish such a day to remember victims of hate crime and those who have fallen victim to such attacks. Aligning with the No Hate Speech Movement, ERYICA intends to show solidarity to those targeted and raise awareness about hate crime and its consequences on society.

Why 22 July?

22 July is the day of the Oslo attacks and the Utøya massacre that claimed a total of 77 young lives in 2011. The perpetrator confessed to regard all the victims as traitors for supporting immigration and multiculturalism. The attacks on 22 July were an attack on the human rights culture upon which Europe is based.

Crimes motivated by hatred and prejudice happen in every country of Europe. A survey among victims of hate crime shows that many of the hate crimes go unreported. However, states are responsible to investigate and unmask the motivation behind hate crimes under Article 14 of the European Convention of Human Rights as it affects the entire society.

Victims of hate crime are not only statistics, but people whose dignity and human rights have been violated. Public commemoration of the victims is an expression of justice and solidarity and is seen as means to increase awareness and educate the wider public.

What can you do?

There are several things you can do to express your solidarity with the victims of hate speech and support the No Hate Speech Campaign. By signing the online petition addressed to the Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and of the European Parliament, you can join the more than 4,150 people who have already done so. Besides, you can join the online community by adding the Black Heart badge to your Facebook profile photo with the help of Picabadge or change your profile photo to the Black Heart. You can also contact politicians and invite them to release a public statement on the issue of hate crime or help organise a peaceful and respectful commemoration and remembrance activities in schools, public places and youth groups about historical or recent hate crimes in the community or in the country. These so called offline events can take several formats, you will find more details on the Movement’s website.