Baghdad: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Iraq Office has forged an agreement with the High Commission for Human Rights to collaboratively implement the “Social Communication for Peace (SM4P)” project. This initiative, backed by the European Union, aims to launch in Iraq in 2025.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the project seeks to address challenges arising from the misuse of social media, such as hate speech and sectarian incitement. It aims to balance freedom of expression with social responsibility, transforming digital platforms into tools for peacemaking. The collaboration intends to establish frameworks involving international digital platforms to ensure adherence to standards promoting social peace.

The project targets various groups, including digital activists, civil society organizations, and digital platforms. It aims to promote a culture of peace through content creation, awareness campaigns, and policy development. By engaging these groups, the project hopes to foster a safe digital environment and reduce harmful content.

“Social Media for Peace” outlines goals such as enhancing community media for positive change, combating hate speech, raising human rights awareness, and empowering digital influencers. These efforts reflect UNESCO’s ambition to transform the digital space into an area of tolerance and dialogue.

The partnership between UNESCO and the Human Rights Commission is expected to redefine digital media use in Iraq by 2025, shifting its role from conflict to community peace promotion.