Since 2004, the OSCE has put considerable effort into shaping policies and activities against racism. International OSCE conferences and Ministerial and Permanent Council Decisions (MC Decision 10/05, MC Decision 4/03, PC Decision 621) have identified the need to tackle racist violence with appropriate hate crime legislation and education.

In order to understand the phenomenon of racism, monitoring racist incidents is essential and constitutes one of ODIHR's central activities in this area. National legislation against racism, focused strategies and appropriate national structures (such as specialized institutions) are key aspects of fighting racism effectively.