How can we fight against the deliberate distortion of history and the spread of hate speech in the digital age? Genocide denial is not just a theoretical issue—it actively undermines the memory of victims, fuels extremist ideologies, and weakens democratic values.

In response to this challenge, #inextremis collaborated with historian Professor Joël Kotek and writer Marc Knobel to develop Umbaba (https://umbaba.org/), an innovative digital platform designed to combat cyber hate and promote historical accuracy.

Commissioned by the Institut Jonathas and the CCLJ, Umbaba provides a structured and research-driven approach to countering disinformation, helping individuals, educators, and policymakers confront denialist narratives with verifiable facts and strategic tools.

Combining rigorous research with intuitive digital communication, Umbaba is an essential resource for those seeking to challenge falsehoods and advocate for responsible digital discourse.

What is Umbaba?

Umbaba is an educational and advocacy platform that serves as a counterweight to online disinformation and hate speech, particularly in the context of genocide denial.

The platform offers a structured, research-driven approach to addressing these issues through factual knowledge, engagement tools, and strategic resources.

It is designed to provide:

• Fact-based knowledge: A comprehensive repository of historical information to debunk denialist claims, ensuring that truth prevails over distortion.
• Understanding of digital hate mechanisms: Insights into the origins, strategies, and impact of cyber hate and disinformation, helping users to assess and counteract such narratives critically.
• Practical tools for action: Resources to help individuals, educators, and policymakers respond effectively to hate speech online, including reporting guidelines and counter-narrative techniques.
• Case studies and legal frameworks: Contextual examples illustrate how denialism functions, the societal impact of historical revisionism, and legislative efforts to combat it.

Umbaba is structured to serve multiple audiences, including journalists, academics, policymakers, educators, and the general public. It equips them with reliable information and strategic tools to counter cyber hate effectively and informally.

A structured approach to digital advocacy

Umbaba is built around several key sections that offer a deep and structured exploration of cyber hate and genocide denial:

1. News and developments: This section provides regular updates on new research, ongoing legal cases, policy changes, and developments in the fight against misinformation, hate speech, and genocide denial.
2. Understand and act: A deep dive into cyber hate’s root causes and effects, analysing how denialist propaganda operates and offering concrete methods for recognising and combating it.
3. Engagement and education: A dedicated resource centre designed for policymakers, educators, and activists, featuring training materials, case studies, and interactive tools that foster a deeper understanding of the problem and provide solutions.
4. Who we are: An introduction to the experts and researchers behind Umbaba, highlighting their commitment to preserving historical truth and countering digital disinformation.

Structuring content for maximum impact

At #inextremis, we understand that a successful digital platform must present accurate content and ensure it is engaging, accessible, and impactful. The development of Umbaba involved:

• A clearly defined editorial strategy ensures that content is meticulously researched, understandable, and compelling for diverse audiences.
• A user-centred design, allowing seamless navigation and intuitive access to relevant information for different stakeholder groups.
• A robust and scalable digital framework built to support future content expansion and interactive engagement, ensuring that the platform remains dynamic and responsive to evolving challenges.

By combining expertise in content development, digital storytelling, and functional design, #inextremis ensured that Umbaba is not just an information hub but an active tool for combating online hate.

Why this matters for organisations communicating on complex and sensitive issues

For organisations dealing with highly complex and sensitive topics—whether related to human rights, historical truth, or social justice—clarity, credibility, and accessibility in communication are paramount.

The ability to structure and present such issues in an engaging, factual, and actionable way can define the success of an advocacy initiative.

Umbaba is a case study of how a digital platform can transform awareness efforts into a dynamic and far-reaching resource. Our work on this project demonstrates our capability to:

• Develop and structure intellectually rigorous content accessible to a broad audience.
• Design digital platforms that facilitate engagement, interaction, and participation.
• Ensure that messaging is impactful, helping organisations effectively reach and influence their target audiences.

Partnering for meaningful digital communication

At #inextremis, digital platforms should serve as catalysts for meaningful change. Whether addressing genocide denial, human rights, or broader advocacy themes, our expertise in digital communication ensures that organisations can translate complex topics into compelling, well-structured, and actionable digital experiences.

For organisations looking to strengthen their digital presence with strategic content and innovative platforms, Umbaba is a prime example of what can be achieved.

We invite you to explore the platform at https://umbaba.org and connect with us to discuss how we can support your digital communication goals.

#StrategicCommunication #DigitalEngagement #GenocideDenial #OnlineAdvocacy