Disinformation Awareness and Solidarity

In March 2024 we brought together around ten local organisations and informal groups for a series of working meetings on a growing problem: disinformation.

Neu-Isenburg activist network

We talked about how to recognise disinformation, the forms it takes and how to respond to it at a time when information spreads fast and the pressure to react immediately is high, often without time to check the facts. We paid special attention to activists, who are often targeted because they challenge injustice and defend human rights.

When an organisation is attacked for defending human rights

What happens when an organisation faces a media attack, insults or even threats for standing up for human rights? How do the people involved feel, and what is the emotional cost for them and their teams? And who in the wider community has the courage to support them publicly? Some participants had experienced media attacks, public shaming or threats themselves, and their stories made these questions very real.

Prevention, support and solidarity

The group agreed that prevention and support are the most important answers: training, education on recognising fake news and mental health support help people face these challenges with more resilience. Above all, solidarity matters: no one should face an attack alone.

We ended with a commitment to keep working together on awareness of disinformation and on support for those affected, so that activists in our community know they are not alone.