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South Asia Regional Hub: Addressing Hate Speech and Tensions Targeting Internally Displaced Persons

Publication Date:

24/05/2023

Content Type:

Event Reports

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Hate SpeechInternational Steering Committeesocial inclusionSouth Asia Regional Hub

— 2 minutes reading time

The Strong Cities South Asia Regional Hub and the City of Mardan (Pakistan) co-hosted two high-level Mayoral roundtables bringing together local leaders — including mayors, former Members of Parliament and regional chairpersons — to exchange perspectives and find solutions to the intertwined challenges of hate, extremism and polarisation amid longstanding conflict and significant population displacement.

Mardan has endured the harsh consequences of sustained violence and terrorism over the past decade. Military operations in the region compelled entire communities to relocate, resulting in a substantial influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs). This demographic shift has heightened community tensions, giving rise to a “narrative of suspicion” that casts IDPs in an unfavourable light. As a result, displaced families have found it difficult to secure rental agreements and access essential services, largely due to these pervasive negative perceptions. Local officials emphasised the need to dispel this harmful narrative by urging local government authorities to raise awareness of the challenges these community face and promote inter-community dialogues.

A central theme of the roundtables was the role of local institutions and communities in fostering social cohesion. Participants identified religious leaders as key figures capable of mobilising positive community sentiment as their influence has already helped improve the local response towards displaced populations. However, they stressed that this support must also include religious minority IDPs, ensuring that all vulnerable groups benefit from inclusive and unbiased outreach.

To convert discussion insights into practical action, participants proposed establishing local-level liaison committees, which would function as accessible platforms at the ward or village council level, enabling both IDPs and host communities to report instances of hate speech or derogatory remarks. Regular communication between these groups, facilitated by the liaison committees, is expected to pre-empt conflict and build bridges of understanding. In addition, participants recommended the implementation of targeted awareness sessions conducted by experts. These sessions would educate both the host population and IDPs about the detrimental effects of hate speech and promote peaceful conflict resolution.

Furthermore, other roundtable findings highlighted the lack of economic opportunities — particularly among youth — as a critical factor that can exacerbate social divisions and increase susceptibility to extremist narratives. Local leaders called for integrated community programmes that not only enhance social inclusion but also drive local economic development, thereby addressing one of the root causes of polarisation.

Both roundtables set forth a proactive agenda for local governance in environments marked by displacement and conflict. By advocating for the dispelling of negative narratives, leveraging the influence of trusted community leaders and institutionalising platforms for dialogue and accountability, the recommendations underscore the pivotal role cities can play in addressing hate, extremism and fostering an inclusive environment for all residents, including IDPs.

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