Summary
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has stressed the urgent need for systematic, long-term training programs for police, prosecutors, and judges to effectively tackle hate crimes across its member states. The call came on November 17, 2025, as ODIHR launched its annual hate crime report to mark the International Day for Tolerance.
Training at the Core
“Hate crime has a devastating effect not just on individual victims, but on entire communities. Training is at the heart of an effective hate crime response,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. She emphasized that criminal justice practitioners must be equipped with the tools to recognize hate crimes, protect victims, and prosecute offenders.
Current Gaps
While several OSCE states have introduced national training initiatives, ODIHR’s report found that many remain ad hoc and limited in scope, with prosecutors and judges often lacking even foundational training. Embedding hate crime modules into police academies and judicial schools, alongside regular refresher courses, was identified as critical for long-term impact.
ODIHR’s Efforts
Over the past two decades, ODIHR has trained approximately 700 national police trainers and 200 prosecutor trainers across the region. To expand reach, the Office announced plans to publish a comprehensive package of interactive training materials online, designed to be adaptable for national contexts.
Community Engagement
ODIHR highlighted that training programs are most effective when targeted communities are directly involved in their design and delivery. Such collaboration builds trust, encourages victims to report crimes, and strengthens cooperation between authorities and civil society.
Data and Resources
The Office’s dedicated hate crime website is updated annually with data from states, civil society, and international organizations, offering resources to support governments and NGOs in addressing hate crime.
Sources: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)
OSCE Image by Bartek Sawka
