OSCE Chairperson’s Personal Representatives on tolerance in first joint country visit to United States

WASHINGTON D.C., 24 July 2014 – The OSCE Chairperson’s Personal Representatives on combatting discrimination and promoting tolerance on 21 to 23 July 2014 made their first joint country visit to the United States where they identified problems, best practices as well as gaps in policy, activities and legislation, and areas where the OSCE can provide further support.

They held meetings with government officials including representatives of the Department of State, Department of Justice, Department of Education and Department of Homeland Security. “We appreciate their readiness to discuss problems, their devoting attitude to their work and eagerness to contribute to the cooperation with the OSCE”, noted Alexey Avtonomov, Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also Focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions, after these official meetings.

Furthermore, exchanges with representatives of civil society were arranged. In addition to joint meetings, the Chairperson’s Personal Representatives also held individual meetings with interlocutors focusing on specific issues related to their respective mandates. “They shared their concerns and expectations with us based on their research, monitoring and field experience. Representatives highlighted challenges and opportunities that the US Administration as well as the OSCE participating States should take on board", welcomed Talip Küçükcan, Personal Representative on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims, these discussions.

They also had a hearing at the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission). Rabbi Baker, Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism, said: “We were able to see first-hand that U.S. lawmakers are not only interested in the issues that our respective mandates address but are also strongly supportive of the OSCE and the three of us receiving the necessary support to carry out this work”.  

The Personal Representatives will present a report on this visit to the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, which will include recommendations for action and identify areas of possible support by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).