Four Educational Training Sessions for Students Held at Jan Śniadecki Gymnasium in Šalčininkai

On 15 December, the European Foundation of Human Rights (EFHR) held a series of four training sessions on recognising hate speech and responding to it at Jan Śniadecki Gymnasium in Šalčininkai for students in Grades 9–12.

The sessions focused on identifying hate speech, recognizing target groups, and applying general response strategies. Attention was given to the legal criteria distinguishing hate speech from lawful expression, alongside available legal protective measures.

The sessions provided an overview of key principles of Lithuanian law, as well as relevant European and international legal standards addressing hate speech. The topic was presented within a broader human rights context, emphasizing the protection of human dignity, equality, and the balance between restricting hate speech and safeguarding freedom of expression.

The ways in which hate speech affects individuals were explained, and its origins in group-based prejudice were discussed. The issues of responsibility and potential legal consequences were analyzed through specific examples. Furthermore, students learned about reporting channels, support mechanisms, and the importance of responsible civic engagement.

Practical engagement was ensured through an interactive quiz based on real-life scenarios and examples taken from case-law. The activity demonstrated how particular statements and situations may be assessed in relation to freedom of expression and hate speech. Following each session, the three highest-scoring participants received symbolic prizes.

The training concluded with discussions on online communication trends, reporting tools, and how young people can contribute to a culture of respect by reacting responsibly to hate speech and understanding its impact on others.