Fields of work

Tolerance and non-discrimination

Smiling child in a blue coat holds a "Stop Racisme" sign at a crowded protest.

Racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance continue to threaten security in the increasingly diverse societies of the OSCE region. The Organization therefore dedicates resources and efforts to promote tolerance and non-discrimination that foster a stronger sense of security in its participating States.

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Coalition Building for Tolerance and Non-Discrimination: A Practical Guide [Brochure]

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Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Smiling child in a blue coat holds a "Stop Racisme" sign at a crowded protest.

Our challenge

Many factors can affect security and stability, often across borders, population segments or the OSCE’s three dimensions.

Racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance and discrimination continue to threaten security in the increasingly diverse societies of the OSCE region. Intolerance, discrimination, incitement to hatred and violent extremism have the potential to divide societies or even break social bonds. They may not only manifest themselves in the form of expressions of hatred but also take on the form of physical violence.

We reaffirm that respect for democratic values, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rights of persons belonging to national minorities should remain the common aims of all participating States.

Our action

Building on our comprehensive and co-operative approach to security, we work on strategies to tackle the issue head-on.

The focus of our work in this area is to raise awareness about discrimination, hate crimes, anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, including against Muslims, Christians and members of other religions. This work includes advising States on policy and the training of law enforcement personnel and educators, as well as strengthening the ability of civil society to monitor and report on hate crimes and incidents.

Mandate

Our teams

Our institutions, field operations and offices bring to the task expert skills and knowledge to develop tailor-made solutions for each challenge.

Our institutions and offices

A central player in this area is the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which has developed a collection of resources and programmes to raise awareness about hate crime, racism, xenophobia and discrimination, anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, including against Muslims, Christians and members of other religions.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office has also appointed three Personal Representatives on combating anti-Semitism; racism, xenophobia and discrimination, as well as intolerance and discrimination against Christians and members of other religions; and intolerance and discrimination against muslims.

Our operations on the ground

Many OSCE field operations assist the States in which they operate with the fight against intolerance and discrimination, ranging from capacity-building for state institutions to work with civil society, law officials, religious leaders and minority group representatives.

Mission in Kosovo

Set up on 1 July 1999, the Mission has its headquarters in Prishtinë/Priština and maintains five regional offices. It runs a wide array of activities.

Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Established on 8 December 1995, the Mission works on human rights, education, the rule of law, gender equality, governance and security co-operation.

Mission to Moldova

Established on 4 February 1993 to facilitate the achievement of a lasting political settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict in all its aspects.

Mission to Serbia

The Mission, set up on 11 January 2001, is based in Belgrade and assists Serbia in building accountable democratic institutions.

Mission to Skopje

Established on 18 September 1992, the Mission’s key priorities are constructive inter-ethnic relations and the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement.

Projects

Initiatives funded by individual states and organizations

Projects

Events

Upcoming conferences, meetings and training events

Conference

Roma and Sinti Women in the Public Sphere: Advancing Collective and Transnational Action for Meaningful Participation

This conference brings together Roma and Sinti women from across the region to strengthen their voices and actions. Over a day and a half, participants will share experiences, set common goals, and build connections that help shape…
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Warsaw, Poland
Conference

Belief in Change: Engaging Religious Actors to End Violence against Women and Girls in the OSCE region

This two-day conference brings together key partners to explore how religious leaders and communities can help prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. Recognizing that this challenge affects everyone, the event will…
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Warsaw, Poland
Training

Call for Applications: Advocacy Training for Ukrainian Roma and pro-Roma Human Rights Defenders

ODIHR is seeking up to 15 Ukrainian Roma and pro-Roma human rights defenders, activists, and advocates to participate in its two-and-a-half-day training course on advocating for human rights in wartime. Participants will gain a deeper…
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Hybrid (in person in Warsaw and…
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Studies and reports

Reports, studies and analyses for policymakers, researchers and all those interested in this field of our work

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Manuals and guides

Practice-oriented manuals, guides, handbooks and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners working in this field

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OSCE stories

Read up on the OSCE, our people on the ground and our work

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