- Hate crime not only targets specific groups but endangers the social cohesion of our societies. It affects us all.
- Addressing hate crime effectively clearly requires the involvement and commitment of a wide range of actors in addition to the public authorities.
- It is essential to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to secure civil society’s active participation in the implementation of measures to combat these particularly serious crimes.
- Civil society’s role is pivotal in supporting the authorities and filling the gaps in a number of areas, such as the collection and monitoring of data on hate crimes, assistance to victims, strategic litigation and legislative expertise.
- NGOs and national human rights institutions are also essential stakeholders and partners in Council of Europe activities. This is particularly relevant in view of the work of the intergovernmental Committee of Experts which will be tasked with preparing a comprehensive Committee of Ministers Recommendation on combating hate crime.