Hate speech, discrimination and xenophobia are on the rise due to the current pandemic, and governments and institutions are facing numerous challenges in tackling and addressing this issue. COVID-19 related hate speech has serious implications for minority communities. According to the United Nations, it increases the likelihood that they will be excluded politically and socially, deters them from seeking medical help, fosters isolation and stigmatisation and widens the gap for overall social and economic inequality. In extreme situations it can also trigger violence and atrocity crimes.

By focusing on the different challenges refugees and migrants are facing during the pandemic, this webinar will explore possible approaches to combat xenophobia, stigmatization and exclusion in different European countries. It will also combine insights from academic research and from grassroots work with refugees and migrants during COVID-19.