Youth activists come together at OSCE/ODIHR workshop to identify strategies to effectively counter hate crime

Twenty youth activists from across the OSCE region participated in a workshop on countering hate crime organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) from 25 to 27 September 2016 in Warsaw.

During the training, held on the margins of the annual Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM), participants explored the key elements of hate crimes, their impact on victims and communities, as well as measures that can be taken to counter these crimes. The activists also identified ways to assist the victims of hate crimes and enhance their capacity to monitor and report hate incidents.

“Our workshop brought together a diverse group of young participants, providing an invaluable opportunity for further outreach, expanding the scope of their activities by developing working relations with other civil society actors in the field,” said Azra Junuzovic, Deputy Head of ODIHR’s Tolerance and Non-Discrimination department. “This helps bring about change by creating coalitions of people and organizations pressing for the same goals and demanding effective action to address hate crimes and discrimination.”

The activists also participated in HDIM sessions and events held during the final day of the workshop. They had the opportunity to meet with government officials, civil society groups and representatives of international organization throughout the event.