MINELRES: UNITED: Hate crimes remain serious problem in many OSCE states, new ODIHR report says

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UNITED E-NEWS 16/11/2009: 
Hate crimes remain serious problem in many OSCE states, new ODIHR report
says

See forwarded email below 
For more information please refer to tndinfo@odihr.pl

***fwd message***

Dear Colleagues,

On the occasion of the International Tolerance Day, ODIHR has launched
the 2008 annual report Hate Crimes in the OSCE Region: Incidents and
Responses. 
Please see below the press release, the introductory video about the
Report and a link to the document.

We would like to thank all of those who provided their valuable input
into this year's report. We look forward to continuing our co-operation
with you.

Best regards,

Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Department
ODIHR


Hate crimes remain serious problem in many OSCE states, new ODIHR report
says

WARSAW, 16 November 2009 - Hate crimes continue to be a serious problem
in many OSCE participating States, concludes a report published by OSCE
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today.

The report, launched on the occasion of International Tolerance Day,
says there were numerous instances of intimidation, threats, vandalism,
assault, arson and murder during 2008. It also stresses that the full
extent of hate crimes remains obscured by a lack of reliable data.

"Hate crimes have become a frequent occurrence in many participating
States. But, unfortunately, the scarcity of data on these crimes makes
it difficult to assess the true scope and nature of the problem and to
devise effective policies to combat hate crimes," said Ambassador Janez
Lenarcic, ODIHR's Director.

The report, published annually, provides statistics and other
information on the extent and types of hate crimes, as well as
government responses. It is based on data received from OSCE
participating States, inter-governmental agencies and civil society
groups.

The report points out that there are significant gaps in data collection
in most participating States. Some do not collect any statistics on hate
crimes at all, while others do not make this data public. The report
emphasizes the need to record, investigate and prosecute hate crime
cases, improve data collection, and strengthen co-operation with civil
society to complement government efforts.

OSCE participating States have adopted a wide range of commitments to
combat hate crimes. These commitments were adopted in recognition that
these crimes pose a potential threat to domestic and international
security, as they can undermine societal cohesion and sow the seeds of
conflict and wider-scale violence.

The report is available at:
http://www.osce.org/publications/show_publication.php?id=41314

Watch video: http://www.osce.org/item/41326.html

***end fw message***


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