OSCE Mission to Skopje marks International Day of Tolerance with conference on combating hate speech

SKOPJE, 16 November 2012 – Encouraging the exchange of views and experiences between diverse groups of political, judicial and civil sector actors on the challenges faced in curbing hate speech is the aim of an OSCE-supported conference started in Skopje today.

The conference, organized on the International Day of Tolerance by the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors and supported by the OSCE Mission to Skopje, provides the participants a chance to address at a national level the obstacles and challenges in dealing effectively with hate speech, as well as lessons learned, good practices and best models applied.

"Hate speech is one of the strongest manifestations of intolerance and has a deep impact not only on the immediate victim but on the group with which that victim identifies. In this way it can negatively affect community cohesion and social stability,” said Ambassador Ralf Breth, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.

Vlado Kambovski, President of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts,  added: "Intolerance and hate on national, racial, religious and any other grounds creates conflict which can become violent and affect society. The ultimate victims of those acts are the human rights, peace, security, stability and prosperity of the entire society. Thus, effective prevention and elimination of hate speech implicitly emphasize the need for the state to secure the respect and protection of human freedoms and rights according to the principle of equality."

The reports and conclusions emerging from this conference will serve as guiding principles for further actions to be undertaken by participants in their efforts to tackle hate speech.