The anti-discrimination actions in the Western Balkans continue to play a pivotal role in collective efforts of the public authorities and related actors to combat discrimination, racism, hate speech, and hate crimes. Through the provision of expertise, capacity building, and awareness raising initiatives, these actions have made tangible contributions to the harmonisation of legal frameworks and institutional approaches, thereby enhancing mechanisms for the protection of human rights, particularly for vulnerable communities.

In Montenegro, the report on the LGBTI National Strategy 2019-2023, drafted with the support of the programme, was presented in the presence of representatives from local authorities, including the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, the Ombudsperson, the Ministry of Health, as well as international partners, and local civil society organisations (CSOs). Beyond being an assessment of the progress made in implementing the LGBTI Strategy, it serves as a valuable instrument for supporting institutions, CSOs, media, and the public in recognising key challenges.

In Serbia, a discussion on patterns of discrimination was organised by observing the latest trends presented in the reports of the national discrimination surveys, bringing together representatives of public institutions, equality bodies, as well as civil society representatives, media, and experts. They jointly discussed the ways forward to support delivering on reforms, but also changing the mindset of people and help recognise discrimination. According to the latest findings of surveys on discrimination in Serbia, discrimination perception has not much improved in the eye of citizens. 70% of respondents perceive that discrimination is present in Serbia and same percentage of respondents believe that stronger efforts are needed in the fight against discrimination. Particularly pronounced are prejudices against LGBTI people.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the programme supported the Winter Karate seminar, organised by the Karate Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 224 trainers and youth, coming from 96 different Karate teams from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, raised their awareness about the importance of inclusion and diversity in sports and the negative effects of hate speech and peer violence.

In North Macedonia, a workshop for community facilitators from 15 municipalities was organised to increase skills and capacities in their daily work with the vulnerable communities. Important discussions were shared about the new legal changes for undocumented people and how to ensure a more inclusive education for all, by promoting equality and combating hate speech.

In Albania, the programme supported the Week against Discrimination - 2024, an initiative of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. Under the slogan “Say No to Discrimination!”, a series of public events in many locations in Albania informed and raised awareness on various aspects surrounding the protection of human rights, especially for the most vulnerable groups, and the important role of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination in this regard.