Around the world, hatred and prejudice is dividing societies and fuelling violence. Thanks to social media, conspiracy theories, misinformation and hate speech can spread fast - particularly in these uncertain times. What's more, vulnerable minorities are all too often the victims, with reports suggesting they are targeted in more than 75% of hate speech and hate crime incidents.

If this is a threat to social cohesion here in the UK, it can be a threat to life in fragile states like Sudan. Owing to entrenched divisions predating Sudan's transition in 2019, hate-based violence is escalating in conflict areas such as West Darfur and South Kordofan. The risk of further mass atrocities in these regions is palpable, with reports of genocidal language targeting black (non-Arab) ethnic minority groups on the increase - including thinly-veiled incitements such as "We need to clean up the black plastic blags".

And Sudan is not an anomaly. Time and time again we've seen the grave consequences of hate speech play out - in Germany, in Rwanda, in Myanmar. As put by Sheri Rosenburg, "The Holocaust did not start with the gas chambers. It started with hate speech".

But this is not inevitable - it's preventable. Rights for Peace works with local organisations to combat prejudice, strengthen local capacities and prevent mass atrocities before they occur. We couldn't do any of this without your support which is why we're asking you to donate to our end of year appeal.

Covid-19 has resulted in most social events being cancelled this year, while the dark winter months have offered little in the way of respite - let's face it, we've all had enough of 2020. That's why we're asking you to #BeatTheBlues. Your challenge is simple: get sponsored to do something that lifts the spirits of you and those around you. This could be anything from running 5k dressed as Santa, to wild swimming, to delivering mince pies to all your neighbours (all following social distancing of course). Then, help to spread your positivity far and wide by sharing your challenge on social media using the hashtag #BeatTheBlues.

The funds raised will help us to empower a new generation of young activists in Sudan to combat prejudice, division and violence in their communities. Young people are great peacebuilders and can create powerful narratives of unity if given a small chance. Years of repression prior to Sudan's transition have left local capacities depleted, meaning there's a real demand for support and collaboration. Through training, mentorship, network-building and advocacy, Rights For Peace is helping to fill this gap and build resilience to hate speech and identity-based violence.

However, the current funding for our Sudan project is coming to an end, so we really need additional funds to ensure our vital work can continue while we apply for new grants.

Thanks to our supporters, we've already achieved a lot in this unusual year. Our 2.6 Challenge raised over £2400 for peace activists in Northern Uganda to run an innovative Covid-19 awareness campaign in local refugee camps. As well as dispelling dangerous myths about the virus, they spread messages of peace and harmony, helping to reduce intercommunal tensions in the camps. With your help, community leaders like Deng and Abit were able to make a real difference.

We want to support more inspiring grassroots projects like this, which is why we're launching this new appeal. So please, take on the #BeatTheBlues challenge and help bring peace to divided communities in Sudan - and who knows, you might inspire positive change in your own community in the process!

Read more about our community-led projects here and make sure you're up to date with all our current work by following us on Facebook and Twitter.