Civil society’s role in addressing hate crime focus of OSCE/ODIHR training in Istanbul

Strengthening the ability of civil society groups to counter hate crime was the focus of a training event co-hosted by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) from 19 to 22 May 2017 in Istanbul.

The event, organized in co-operation with the European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion (EMISCO) and the Tuzla Municipality in Istanbul, brought together participants from 12 OSCE participating States.

“OSCE participating States have clearly and unequivocally committed themselves to countering intolerance against Muslims. In the training we paid special attention to the issue of crimes targeting Muslims and their property,” said Dermana Seta, ODIHR Adviser on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims. “Individuals perpetrating such acts need to be brought to justice, to send a clear message that Muslim citizens are protected by their respective governments.” 

The interactive training event raised awareness of hate crimes and discrimination among the participants, highlighted the role of civil society groups in assisting the victims of hate crimes and enhanced their ability to monitor and report on hate incidents.

“There is a need to create a cadre of activists and trainers who can provide timely, co-ordinated, professional and sustained responses to anti-Muslim hate crimes in OSCE countries,” said Bashy Quraishy, EMISCO Secretary General.