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International Organizations - OSCE

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) provides the main stage for our advocacy on the intergovernmental level. Human Rights First is well-established and respected within this important organization that brings together 56 countries in North America, Europe, and Central Asia. The OSCE has been very receptive and supportive of our activities during the past years. Human Rights First has consistently maintained a vocal presence at the annual Human Dimension Implementation Meetings (HDIMs) and was invited to participate in various roundtables and events hosted by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Our Advocacy Activities at the OSCE:

Human Rights First at the 2009 OSCE Human Dimension Conference

The 2009 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting brings together official delegations and nongovernmental organizations to discuss democracy and human rights in Europe, North America, and Central Asia.

HRF Statement on Aggressive Nationalism

HRF Statement on Freedom of Assembly

HRF Statement on Freedom of Religion

HRF Statement on Tolerance and Nondiscrimination

10/01/09

HRF Leads OSCE Civil Society Forum on Hate Crimes

In Vienna, Austria, civil society representatives made recommendations on combating intolerance and discrimination to the OSCE delegates participating in the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on Hate Crimes. The recommendations mirror HRF's Ten-Point Plan for Combating Hate Crimes.

Civil Society Recommendations

HRF Advocacy at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

05/05/09

HRF Contributes to OSCE Hate Crime Guidelines

Hate Crime Laws: A Practical Guide, is the first publication providing practical and easily accessible advice for lawmakers, civil society and law enforcement personnel involved in developing or implementing hate crime legislation. The Fighting Discrimination Program Director Paul LeGendre participated in the writing and editing process, also taking part in the official ODIHR launch and expert workshop on March 19, 2009.

Hate Crime Survey: Framework Of Criminal Law

OSCE/ODIHR Press Release

03/27/09

HRF Attends Roundtables on Racism and Discrimination, Antisemitism

Last week, HRF participated in two roundtables organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

On March 17, an expert-level meeting discussed the importance of combating antisemitism. On March 18, the ODIHR marked the International Antiracism day with a roundtable discussion on racism and discrimination.

Paul LeGendre's Remarks on Combating Antisemitism

Press Release: UN Antiracism Day

03/24/09

HRF Participates in OSCE Roundtable on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians

Joëlle Fiss, the Pennoyer Fellow of the Fighting Discrimination Program, contributed to the first OSCE meeting focusing specifically on intolerance and discrimination against Christians. Participants called for improved collection of data on hate crimes against Christians, the adoption of freedom of religion laws and assistance to states and civil society in raising awareness of relevant standards.

Read HRF's Remarks

Violence Based on Religious Intolerance

Press Release

03/13/09

HRF Outlines Recommendations for Combating Hate Crimes to the New OSCE Personal Representatives on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination

In January 2009, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) appointed three new Personal Representatives of the Chairman-in-Office to promote greater tolerance and combat racism, xenophobia and discrimination. HRF reached out to the Representatives with specific recommendations relevant to their mandates.

Letter to Mario Mauro (Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination)

Letter to Vyacheslav Gizzatov (Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims)

Letter to Andrew Baker (Combating Antisemitism)

OSCE Announcement / Representatives' Bios

03/03/09

HRF Addresses the 2008 OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw

The Conference, hailed by the ODIHR Director Amb. Janez Lenarcic as "the single most important yearly OSCE event focusing on human rights and democracy in Europe, North America, and Central Asia," features delegations from all 56 member states, as well other high-profile speakers from NGO and IGO communities.

Human Rights First made three interventions during the conference. Our 2008 Hate Crime Survey was also distributed at various side-events and meetings. Two side-events were co-hosted by Human Rights First.

Read Tad Stahnke's Statement on "Hate Crimes in the OSCE Region."

Read Paul Legendre's statement at the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Session.

Read Tad Stahnke’s Statement on "Implementation of the OSCE Action Plan on Roma and Sinti."

10/16/08