Resolution on Sectarian Discourse, Hate Speech, and Their Impact on Youth in theMiddle East

July 2026 Mediterranean Committee

Whereas the Middle East is increasingly dominated by an escalating
climate of sectarian discourse and hate speech that threatens the stability
of states, undermines the functioning of public institutions, and weakens
the unity of societies; and whereas sectarian polarization has become
normalized among certain political and social forces, manifesting in calls
for separation, fragmentation, and the promotion of sectarian or identity-
based entities at the expense of shared citizenship and the modern state;
Whereas this reality is fueled by prolonged wars, occupation, and sectarian
conflicts, in which political leaders and regional powers instrumentalize
fear, identity, and religious difference to consolidate power and justify
iolence, thereby deepening social divisions and perpetuating cycles of
conflict.
Whereas examples of this dangerous practice can be seen in the sectarian
and exclusionary discourse employed by the Israeli government under
Benjamin Netanyahu, which frames the conflict through narratives of fear
and collective punishment, reinforcing hatred and radicalization among
youth on both sides, as well as in the policies of the Iranian regime, which
has systematically mobilized sectarian identity across the region to
expand influence, entrench armed groups, and weaken state institutions
in multiple Middle Eastern countries;
Whereas youth across the Middle East are the primary victims of this
discourse, growing up in environments shaped by polarization, hatred,
and violence, which deprive them of opportunities, undermine their
belief in democratic citizenship, and obstruct their ability to contribute to
inclusive, productive, and merit-based institutions.
Whereas this context presents a serious challenge for progressive and
leftist youth who believe in human rights, individual freedoms, social
justice,equality,institutionalgovernance,meritocracy,andthe
productive potential of individuals beyond sectarian, religious, or ethnic
identity.
Therefore, this resolution affirms that sectarian discourse and hate speech
are not accidental phenomena, but deliberate political tools used by
authoritarian, colonial, and sectarian forces to maintain control, suppress
dissent, and divide societies.
This resolution calls for the rejection of all forms of sectarian incitement
and hate speech, and for the promotion of inclusive national narratives
based on citizenship, equality before the law, and respect for human
dignity. It emphasizes the urgent need to equip youth with critical
thinking, civic education, and political awareness that enable them to
challenge divisive narratives and build cross-community solidarity.
This resolution further stresses the responsibility of political leaders,
mediaoutlets,andeducationalinstitutions,toceasetheuseof
inflammatory rhetoric and to actively counter narratives of hatred and
exclusion. It calls for the creation of civic spaces that allow young people
to organize, participate, and engage politically based on shared social,
economic, and democratic interests rather than imposed identities.
Finally,theProgressiveYouthOrganizationasksallsocialist
organizations and parties to implement projects that helps in combating
hate speech and far-right extremism sectarianism which is essential to the
future of the Middle East. The struggle for freedom, justice, and social
equality cannot succeed in fragmented societies governed by fear and
hate. Only by rejecting sectarian discourse and strengthening inclusive,
accountable institutions can the region’s youth reclaim their role as agents
of democratic change and social progress.