The regional workshop “Police Operating in Diverse Societies: Addressing Hatred Against Ethnic and Religious Minorities” held in Durres, Albania, underscored the commitment of the European Union, the Council of Europe and the regional partners to combat all forms of hatred and discrimination. The event gathered law enforcement representatives, civil society organisations from the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions, and international experts to explore how policing can better serve diverse communities and address racism and intolerance.

During the two-day workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions, exchanged best practices, and listened to leading experts and institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) and the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). Law enforcement representatives from across Europe presented real-life case studies, providing practical insights into successful initiatives to promote equality and prevent discrimination.

Key topics included the role of law enforcement in combating antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and antigypsyism; strategies for building trust between police and communities; tools for data collection and monitoring hate crime; and developing partnerships with civil society organisations. This initiative marks a significant step towards fostering regional co-operation and strengthening inclusive, human rights-based policing practices.

This workshop is organised within the project “Promoting equality and non-discrimination: towards more resilient and inclusive societies” and the action “Promoting equality and combating racism and intolerance in the Western Balkans”, which are part the joint European Union and Council of Europe programmes “Partnership for Good Governance” and “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.