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Uniting Against Hatred: Malta’s Call for a Europe of Respect and Dignity

STRASBOURG, 17-20 June 2025 – Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger opened the 2025 No Hate Speech Week, reaffirming Malta’s commitment to combating hate speech as part of its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

This year’s edition of the No Hate Speech Week gathered representatives from national authorities, civil society organisations, international bodies, academia, and the digital industry. The high-level event created a unique platform for dialogue, sharing of good practices, and strengthening of joint action to tackle the growing challenges of hate speech across Europe.

Speaking at the official opening session, Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger was joined by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr Alain Berset, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael McGrath, and Ms Virginia Gamba, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Acting Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide by video. In her address, Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger warned of the accelerating danger posed by hate speech, calling for united action to dismantle the systems that allow hatred to flourish.

“Hate speech loads the gun long before violence pulls the trigger,” Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger stated, underlining the direct link between hateful rhetoric and acts of violence. She highlighted the responsibility of all stakeholders to address the normalisation of hate, whether it manifests through racist rhetoric, misogyny, religious intolerance, or anti-LGBTIQ+ sentiment.

Throughout the week, participants discussed recent legal and policy developments, innovative prevention measures, and strategies for effective enforcement. The Week featured focused sessions on digital literacy, the role of education in building resilience, and collaborative approaches with technology platforms.

Malta, holding the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, placed the fight against hate speech at the centre of its agenda, actively promoting the Council of Europe’s Recommendation on Combating Hate Speech. “Action must be our answer,” Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger stressed. “To remain silent is to be complicit. To challenge hate is to defend democracy, human dignity, and peace.”

The Maltese Presidency also launched a dedicated social media campaign during No Hate Speech Week, engaging Permanent Representatives and international partners in a collective awareness-raising initiative. Short video messages recorded by ambassadors and diplomats served to amplify the call for respect, solidarity, and human rights.

Reaffirming Malta’s commitment, Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger concluded by stressing the importance of prevention, education, and responsible online behaviour. “One comment can spark cruelty, but one voice can inspire courage,” she remarked.

Malta’s Presidency remains focused on fostering inclusive societies and strengthening cooperation among member states. Upcoming initiatives will continue to advance this agenda, ensuring that the fight against hate speech remains a shared European priority.

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