An annual report for 2008 on hate crimes and state responses within the OSCE region. Available on CD.

The aim of the report is to provide an overview of practical efforts and measures undertaken by governments and civil society to combat violent and non-violent manifestations of hate and to promote mutual respect and understanding.

The focus of this report is on the responses of OSCE participating States to violent acts of hate and intolerance. Examples of effective and immediate responses are highlighted, as are challenges that governments and civil society continue to face in their efforts to prevent and respond to hate-motivated incidents. The ODIHR also sees this report as an early-warning tool, as it highlights areas where better responses are needed.

Issued at the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, Warsaw, 12 October 2006

This report covers information received by participating States in response to a series of five Notes Verbales sent by the ODIHR in 2004, requesting relevant information relating to hate crimes, including statistics, legislation, and national initiatives.