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Prosecuting hate crimes effectively: Training for prosecutors and judges in North Macedonia
Training
- Date:
- Location:
- Ohrid, North Macedonia
- Organized by:
- OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), OSCE Mission to Skopje
- Source:
- OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
- Fields of work:
- Tolerance and non-discrimination
About
Prosecutors play a central role in addressing hate crimes. They coordinate with police on the investigation and support courts to consider the nature of the offence and factors, such as bias motives, that can aggravate the sentence in hate crime cases. Judges ensure that the law is applied fairly while recognizing the additional harm caused when crimes are motivated by prejudice.
This training course was organized following a request from the “Pavel Shatev” Academy of Judges and Public Prosecutors of North Macedonia. Prior to the training course, the PAHCT curriculum was customized to the national context and legal framework in North Macedonia based on a needs assessment conducted by ODIHR and the OSCE Mission to Skopje in December 2025.
Our method
As a result of the training course, national prosecutors and judges in North Macedonia will have the knowledge and skills needed to apply national laws and effectively prosecute and sentence hate crime offences. An effective criminal justice response to hate crime that reflects the bias motive is essential not only to deliver justice to victims, but also to ensure that victims receive the support and protection they need.
What guides our work?
Prosecutors and Hate Crimes Training (PAHCT) is an ODIHR programme designed to strengthen the capacity of prosecutors and other criminal justice professionals to effectively address hate crimes.
The training enhances participants’ understanding of hate crime concepts, bias motivation and victims’ needs, while strengthening their knowledge and skills in accurate, effective and victim-centred prosecution practices. PAHCT is modular, practical, and adaptable to national legal systems and local contexts. It uses interactive methods —such as real-life case studies, group discussions and exercises — to build participants’ skills in identifying, investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. The programme can be delivered as a full, two-day programme or through selected modules tailored to the specific needs of a requesting agency. Implementation is typically carried out in close cooperation with national prosecutorial authorities and training institutions, ensuring sustainability and alignment with domestic practices.
Since its launch in 2014, PAHCT programme has prepared more than 200 national prosecutors in 15 OSCE countries to recognize, investigate and prosecute hate crimes.
Participation
Participation in this event will be by invitation only.
Contact
