Back Steps forward in combating inequality and hatred using human rights approach

Steps forward in combating inequality and hatred using human rights approach

The second of four modules on “Addressing hate speech through improving data collection”, enabled continuation of co-operation among equality bodies/Ombudsperson institutions from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership regions on the topic of data collection in combating hate speech and hate crime.

This time, participants reflected into practical exercises on designing of policies based on the data available within their respective institutions, by applying knowledge and skills acquired during the previous workshop, held on 3 June 2022, considering the European standards and examples of good practices in this field. Once again, the peer-to-peer exchange on data collection, hate speech and policy development was confirmed as a valuable and motivating model for strengthening capacities of equality bodies in both regions involved with this project.

Through one of the sessions, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the UN Strategy and the Plan of Action on Hate Speech, launched in response to the current alarming trends of growing xenophobia, racism and intolerance, violent misogyny, anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred around the world. Also, the Hate speech calculator – an online tool developed under the Council of Europe project “WE CAN for human rights speech” was presented as a practical instrument for analysing cases of hate speech.

In addition, the event ensured further and more in-depth discussion on appropriate responses to inequality and hate speech in our societies and highlighted the need for addressing hate speech at both local and global level by using a human rights approach, and with involvement of all relevant actors.

 

The activity was organized within the action “Promotion of diversity and equality in the Western Balkans” (“Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans an Turkey” programme) and the project “Strengthening access to justice through non-judicial redress mechanisms for victims of discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes in  the Eastern Partnership” (“Partnership for Good Governance II 2019-2022” programme), joint initiatives of the European Union and the Council of Europe, implemented by the Council of Europe.

Regional 6 July 2022
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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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