Addressing the security needs of Muslim communities in South Eastern Europe

To strengthen understanding of the nature and extent of anti-Muslim hate crime and address the security needs of Muslim communities in South Eastern Europe, ODIHR is organizing a workshop in Skopje to present its new practical guide, Understanding Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes and Addressing the Security Needs of Muslim Communities. The Guide is available in ten languages, including Albanian, Bosnian and Macedonian.

Hate crimes not only harm victims and their communities but also undermine the security of all in society. Unfortunately, no society is immune to hate, and all States must put in place comprehensive measures to respond to hate crime and address the security of targeted groups, including Muslim communities.

Agenda and participants

The event will bring together representatives of Muslim communities, law enforcement, human rights institutions and civil society organizations from Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the Kosovo* region. Participants will identify good practices to strengthen co-operation and improve their co-ordination and response following bias-motivated threats and attacks. They will also have the opportunity to apply the practical steps outlined in the Guide to case studies, and will be invited to develop action points that can be implemented in their local contexts.

* All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, should be understood in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.