OSCE/ODIHR partners with civil society at workshop in Malaga, Spain to improve hate crime recording

Civil society participants strengthened their ability to recognize and record hate crimes at a workshop organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Malaga, Spain on 10 May 2015.

During the workshop, which was organized within the framework of the "Overcome all borders: UNITED against Intolerance" conference, 33 participants from 19 countries explored the concept of hate crimes and learned the importance of effectively identifying and acting on hate crimes through monitoring, reporting and working with local authorities. 

“To support co-operation between civil society and public authorities to end hate crime, ODIHR works closely with all actors to strengthen their awareness of the issues surrounding hate crime, from reporting to response,” said Cristina Finch, Head of the ODIHR Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department. “This approach ensures that victims can be helped in the most effective way."

The conference provided a forum for ideas and strategies to counter the intolerance migrants face in Europe, notably discrimination and hate crime. The ensuing workshop was part of ODIHR's continued engagement with civil society.