Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

The Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Programme was launched in 2004. The ODIHR is specifically tasked to:

• Serve as a collection point for information, statistics and legislation received from OSCE States on hate crimes;
• Collect and disseminate best practices for responding to and combating hate crimes and for promoting tolerance and respect throughout the OSCE region;
• Monitor incidents of racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, including against Muslims, Christians and members of other religions;
• Offer assistance and support to OSCE participating States and civil society in their efforts to combat racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance.

The overall goals of the Programme are to support OSCE participating States and civil society in their efforts to:

• Combat hate crimes and violent manifestations of racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance including against Muslims, Christians and members of other religions;
• Promote intercultural understanding and a respect for diversity;
• Ensure freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.