Conference Details:

Date:

May 23 & 24 (9 AM – 5 PM)

Location:

University of Ottawa Building: Fauteux Hall at 57 Louis-Pasteur Private, K1N 6N5 Room: FTX147 (Gowlings Moot Court)

Event Tags:

2025, conference, crimes against humanity, genocide

Organizers:

Northern Justice Watch

Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) at the University of Ottawa

⁠Lakehead University

Centre For Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University

Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism at Ontario Tech University

Click Here To Register For Free!

Overview:

The International Conference on Countering Hate and Polarization is a crucial gathering of global experts, policymakers, scholars, and community leaders to address the escalating impact of hate speech, prejudice, and societal polarization. The conference aims to explore the trajectory from prejudice to hate crimes and even atrocities, presenting opportunities for both preventive and remedial strategies.

Objectives:

• To assess and develop comprehensive strategies for hate speech and reducing polarization in society.
• To examine the links between hate speech, social polarization, serious crimes, including genocide and crimes against humanity.
• To promote collaboration among government officials, educators, community leaders, and civil society to combat hate speech.
• To provide a platform for sharing community-based experiences and effective practices for building societal resilience.

Key Topics:

• Psychological and social factors contributing to hate and polarization.
• The impact of digital platforms on the spread of hate speech.
• Stages of escalation from hate speech to hate crimes and mass atrocities.
• Legal frameworks and enforcement challenges in addressing hate speech.
• The role of community resilience, education, and media in preventing hate.
• Victimization of specific communities and community-based responses.
• The influence of economic, political, and social drivers on polarization.
• Best practices for interfaith and cross-cultural dialogues.

Participants:

The conference will feature approximately 16 prominent speakers from diverse backgrounds, including international human rights advocates, community organizers, policymakers, and legal scholars. Participation is expected from UN representatives, digital platform leaders, and members of vulnerable communities.

Expected Outcomes:

• Actionable recommendations for countering hate speech and polarization at local, national, and international levels.
• Practical strategies for empowering communities and supporting victims of hate speech.
• A network of professionals and community leaders dedicated to fostering inclusivity and reducing polarization.
• Collaborative frameworks for ongoing research and dialogue on countering hate-driven polarization.

This conference is an essential opportunity to advance global and community-specific efforts in addressing the roots of hate and polarization. By convening a diverse group of stakeholders, the event aims to inspire collaborative action toward a more inclusive and resilient society.

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Keynote Addresses

• Prof. John Packer, Human Rights Research and Education Centre, University of Ottawa

• Dr. Faisal Bhabha, Centre for Free Expression & Osgoode Hall Law School, York University

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Refreshment Break

10:15 AM – 11:30 AM – Panel 1: The Blurring Line Between Hate Speech and Freedom of Expression. Speakers:

• Alex Neve, Senior Fellow, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa
• Toby Mendel, Centre for Law and Democracy
• Lex Gill, Trudel Johnston & Lespérance / Citizen Lab

11:30 AM – 11:45 AM – Refreshment Break

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM – Panel 2: Roots of Polarization. Speakers:

• Brad Galloway, Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism

• Evan Balgord, Anti-Hate Network

• Victoria Kuketz, Public Policy Forum

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM – Lunch Break

1:45 PM – 3:00 PM – Panel 3: Online Hate and Freedom of Expression on Social Media. Speakers:

• Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Canadian Civil Liberties Association

• Aislin Jackson, BC Civil Liberties Association

• Rizwan Mohammad, National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM)

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM – Refreshment Break

3:15 PM – 4:30 PM – Panel 4: Impacts on Victims and Communities. Speakers:

• Mariam Musse, Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
• Dr. Davut Akca, Assistant Professor, Lakehead University
• Dr. Ronan Lee, Loughborough University- Weaponizing History: Hate Speech and Myanmar’s Rohingya Genocide

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM – Morning Refreshments

9:30 AM – 10:15 AM – Keynote Address

• Ilze Brands-Kehris, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights

10:15 AM – 11:30 AM – Panel 5: Responses to Hate Crimes and Hate Speech. Speakers:

• Moiz Karimjee, BA, LLB, Professor of Law, Acting Deputy Crown Attorney, Ottawa

• S/Sgt. Ali Toghrol, Ottawa Police Service, Community Safety Services Unit

• Ricky Veerappan, OPP, Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion & Leadership

11:30 AM – 11:45 AM – Refreshment Break

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM – Panel 6: Victim Communities Panel I. Speakers:

• Dr. Philip Slayton, Antisemitism, Lawyer and Writer

• Joanne Hodges (Tigray community)

• Hannan Mohamud (Black community)

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM – Lunch Break

1:45 PM – 3:00 PM –  Panel 5: Victim Communities Panel II

• Jamileh Naso (Yazidi community)

• Dr. Tahir Shaaran (Hazara community)

• Dr. Davut Akca, Assistant Professor, Lakehead University (Hizmet Community)

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Closing Remarks

University of Ottawa’s Human Rights Research and Education Centre’s (HRREC) have agreed to co-host the event.

Partners: