Назад Ombudsperson staff in Ukraine trained on European anti-discrimination and hate speech standards

Ombudsperson staff in Ukraine trained on European anti-discrimination and hate speech standards

The staff of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) was trained on European anti-discrimination and hate speech standards through two online sessions held on 14 December 2023 and 25 January 2024. These activities were tailored to respond to the mandate of the national equality body, in the field of protecting human rights and promoting equality and non-discrimination. Sessions contributed to the strengthening of capacities of this institution to deal with the relating cases and in accomplishing the promotional role on human rights.

The first training ensured a presentation and discussion about the Council of Europe standards on non-discrimination, relevant for combating discrimination within the mandate of the equality body. It also provided an overview of the role of European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) in enhancing equality at national level.

The second online session enabled participants to learn about the European Commission’s work in the field of hate speech, new trends and developments, of significant importance also from the EU’s accession perspective. Participants also expanded their understanding of the hate speech phenomenon, notably the Council of Europe Recommendation on Combating Hate Speech, adopted by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers in 2022. They also got acquainted with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights in this area.

Around 30 participants, representing regional branches of Commissioner’s office and Department of Monitoring of Observance of Equal Rights and Freedoms, Rights of National Minorities, Political and Religious Beliefs joined both online sessions. The in-person training which will be following in the coming month, will focus on hate speech monitoring and data collection, cooperation with other relevant actors in Ukraine, good practices from Council of Europe member states relating to the redress mechanisms for victims of hate speech.

These events are part of the European Union and the Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project “Combating hate speech in Ukraine".

Ukraine 25 January 2024
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Strasbourg, France Strasbourg, 1-2 July 2024
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Addressing hate speech and hate crime: regional gathering of the network of Equality Bodies from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership Region

A two-day workshop on addressing hate speech and hate crime took place at the premises of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, involving Equality bodies from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership regions.  The event supported by the EU and Council of Europe, gathered 50 representatives from both regions who discussed and exchanged on the best practices, measures and common challenges when addressing hate speech and hate crime. Through monitoring and reporting, policy advocacy, raising awareness and supporting victims equality bodies play a fundamental role in protecting human rights and ensuring that all individuals are treated equally.

In her opening remarks, Angela Longo, Head of Anti-discrimination Co-operation Unit, Council of Europe, underlined the significant progress in engaging with Equality Bodies through this network, regularly exchanging best practices and addressing the challenges of hatred and intolerance in societies. She highlighted that this new chapter of discussion delves into the grey area between hate speech and hate crime, addressing issues of incitement and biases,

Representatives from Equality Bodies had the opportunity to discuss and enhance their knowledge on the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers Recommendation to member States on combating hate crime, adopted on 7th May 2024, as well as gain a clearer understanding of EU standards in the field of hate crime. Moreover, participants engaged in exchanges with peers from the Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia (OBERAXE), who shared insights on addressing hate speech in the public discourse. The National Office Against Racial Discrimination (UNAR) in Italy provided practical examples for developing counter-narratives and raising awareness initiatives.

They also explored opportunities to advocate for legislative reform, foster multisectoral co-operation, enhance data collection, and overall improve national mechanisms to counter hate crimes.

This seminar was organised within the action “Promoting equality and combating racism and intolerance in the Western Balkans” and the project “Promoting equality and non-discrimination: towards more resilient and inclusive societies” – co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe  under the joint Programmes “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” and “Partnership for Good Governance”.

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