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.

Factsheet

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

25 June 2018

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

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Our approach to security

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.

Declaration on the Twentieth Anniversary of the OSCE Framework for Arms Control

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.

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.

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OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) provides support, assistance and expertise to participating States and civil society to promote democracy, rule of law, human rights and tolerance and non-discrimination. ODIHR observes elections, reviews legislation and advises governments on how to develop and sustain democratic institutions. The Office conducts training programmes for government and law-enforcement officials and non-governmental organizations on how to uphold, promote and monitor human rights.

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.