Countering Hate Conference Report (2025)
Northern Justice Watch is proud to present the official summary report of the International Conference on Countering Hate and Polarization, held on May 23–24, 2025, at the University of Ottawa.
The two-day conference brought together leading scholars, legal experts, policymakers, and victim communities to examine the escalating threats of hate, prejudice, and social division—both in Canada and globally. Keynote speakers and panelists addressed topics ranging from the rise of online hate and far-right movements to the impacts on victims and the urgent need for balanced legal responses. Testimonies from communities affected by atrocity crimes—including Yazidis, Hazaras, Tigrayans, and members of the Hizmet movement—underscored the global and transnational dimensions of hate.
This report highlights the key insights, challenges, and recommendations that emerged, including:
- Strengthening accountability for digital platforms that amplify hate.
- Ensuring balanced, inclusive legal protections while guarding against misuse.
- Expanding victim-centered, trauma-informed support services.
- Building alliances across diverse communities to prevent future atrocities.
- Promoting education, dialogue, and empathy as central tools of prevention.
The findings emphasize that while hate is adaptive and pervasive, so too can be our collective response—when grounded in human rights, empathy, and solidarity.
Read the full report to explore the insights and recommendations shaping the fight against hate and polarization. Countering Hate Conference Report.pdf