Representatives of equality bodies part of a network covering the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkans regions met in Strasbourg, France, to discuss 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.
During the two-day workshop, participants 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, and gain a clearer understanding of EU standards in the field of hate crime. Moreover, they 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.
Representatives attending explored opportunities for legislative reform, multisectoral cooperation, data collection, and improved national mechanisms to counter hate crimes.
The progress in engaging with equality bodies through the established network was highlighted during this workshop, providing a platform to exchange regularly on best practices and address the challenges of hatred and intolerance in societies.
What is the function of equality bodies?
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”.
