Refugees who have fled to Europe from countries like Syria and Afghanistan are still being portrayed as “potential terrorists”, especially on social media, while so-called “hate speech” is on the rise.

That’s according to Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser , the High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), a group of experts who explore the roots of social and cultural polarization.

The UNAOC is holding a symposium in Brussels on Thursday together with the EU, entitled #SpreadNoHate: Hate Speech Against Migrants and Refugees in the Media.

May Yaacoub asked Mr Al-Nasser why it was important to hold the symposium now.

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