Seminar on the Role of Civil Society in Combating Hate Crimes Against Christians

ODIHR's Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department is organizing a seminar for more than forty representatives of civil society in OSCE participating States on "The role of civil society in combating hate crimes against Christians".

OSCE participating States recognize that manifestations of discrimination and intolerance threaten the security of individuals and may give rise to wider-scale conflict and violence that undermine international stability and security. OSCE participating States have committed to combat intolerance and discrimination against Christians, including hate crime, in a number of OSCE Ministerial Council Decisions.

This seminar is being organized as a follow up to the 2011 High-Level Meeting on Preventing and Responding to Hate Incidents and Crimes against Christians, in which participants recommended that ODIHR should build the capacity of civil society to monitor hate crimes against Christians.
 
The aim of the seminar is to raise awareness of the concept of hate crimes and different forms of intolerance, as well as on the freedom of religion or belief. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss the role of civil society organizations in responding to hate crimes and promoting the freedom of religion or belief.