Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM) I on Addressing All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination

OSCE participating States strongly condemn racial and ethnic hatred, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and discrimination against anyone as well as persecution on religious and ideological grounds, and have committed to combat these phenomena in all their forms (Copenhagen Document 1990), including combating intolerant discourse and hate crime, while respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression (MC Decision 10/05, MC Decision 10/07). Participating States have acknowledged the specificity of different forms of intolerance, while at the same time recognizing the importance of taking a comprehensive approach and addressing cross-cutting issues in order to effectively combat all forms of discrimination (MC Decision 10/07).

Incidents of intolerance against ethnic communities, Roma and Sinti, migrants, and other bias-motivated intolerance continue to remain a significant concern.

The session on Challenges to Realizing Tolerance and Non-Discrimination and the Impact of Compound Crises addressed the impact compound crises can have on racism, xenophobia and discrimination in society. The novel COVID-19 pandemic, the subsequent economic recession and the ongoing migration crisis can exacerbate intolerant discourse and the scapegoating of minorities, making the task of effectively addressing racism, xenophobia, intolerance and discrimination in society even more difficult.

The attitudes and tensions that lead to inter-communal conflict, hate crimes, and acts of violence are often deeply rooted in stereotypes and misconceptions, many of which are promoted and spread through online forums and platforms. The session on Addressing Contemporary Forms of Online Intolerance and Discrimination, Which can Lead to Acts of Violence and Hate Crimes will address the need to fully respect human rights and fundamental freedoms such as the freedom of opinion and expression, the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, while also confronting intolerance and discrimination and facilitating mutual respect and understanding to build more cohesive and inclusive societies.

OSCE participating States have prohibited all forms of discrimination for minority communities, but recent challenges and contemporary forms of intolerance render early action to prevent tensions and conflicts more important than ever. These issues will be discussed at the session on Early Warning to Early Action: Prevention of Discrimination from Escalation into Tensions or Conflict. Implementation of policies aimed at promoting the sustainable integration of diverse and multi-ethnic societies one of the most effective tools to prevent modern conflicts. Promoting stability within these societies by focusing on the needs of minority communities while maintaining a strong focus on inclusive policies and coalition building that encourage unity in society is needed, particularly during times of crises.

Participants

Representatives of OSCE participating States, OSCE institutions and OSCE executive structures, those of inter-governmental organizations, civil society and researchers from 57 participating States that have relevant experience in the topic participated in the SHDM. The Partners for Co-operation were also invited to attend and contribute with respect to their co-operation and links with the OSCE in the field.

Live streaming

Live streaming has ended.

Modalities

The modalities of the meeting were set out in accordance with the decision of the Permanent Council (PC.DEC/476, 23 May 2002).

Given the restrictions related to Covid-19, this meeting exceptionally took place online.

Registration

Online self-registration at http://meetings.odihr.pl is now closed. 

Contacts

Overall co-ordination of the meeting: Mr. Martin Toplišek at [email protected]        

Registration of participants: Ms. Anna Sierant at [email protected]