A march against online hate speech due to take place in Valletta this Friday will urge people to 'connect from the heart' and use social media to fight back. 

The march forms part of a broader online campaign initiated by the Council of Europe's No Hate Movement. The initiative is particularly targeted at hate speech directed towards refugees, asylum seekers, displaced persons and migrants.

European concerns about rising migration influxes have brought with them a rising tide of xenophobia and racism, with social media having made it easier than ever for aggressive hate speech to spread. Authorities in both the UK and France have warned about rising hate speech in recent months.  

"Under the guise of freedom of expression, the crisis has given rise to a furore of racist, xenophobic and aggressive nationalist statements that echo the darkest times of European history," campaign organisers said. 

The 'connect from the heart' campaign, which follows from last month's World Refugee Day celebrations, is being organised locally by Agenzija Zghazagh, SOS Malta, integra Foundation, Kopin, African Media Association Malta, Migrant Women Association Malta and Spark 15. 

Friday's solidarity march will start at 6pm at City Gate, Valletta.

To find out more, visit the event's Facebook page or contact SOS Malta on info@sosmalta.com or 21335097. 

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