STOCKHOLM/VIENNA, 16 November 2021 – In a world shaped by ever-increasing divisions within nations and societies the need for tolerance could not be greater. The problems we face are clearly demonstrated in the most recent 2021 Hate Crime Report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous instances of stereotyping, scapegoating, and stigmatization. It has fueled hate-motivated attacks both online and offline directed at persons in vulnerable situations,  at persons belonging to minorities,  including ethnic and religious groups and anti-Semitic attacks and hate-crimes against Muslims, Christians and members of other religions, Roma and Sinti, migrants and refugees, and people of Asian descent. They are not only a catastrophe for the victims and a breach of human rights, but they damage the social cohesion of our society at large.  Trust and solidarity are lost, and democracy is threatened.

States are obliged to respect and protect the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of all individuals. They must take the necessary political and legal measures to safeguard ethnic, religious or belief, and other communities from intolerance and discrimination. OSCE participating States have made commitments to enact and strengthen legislation to combat anti-Semitism, racism, and xenophobia, and all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief; to establish national bodies to promote tolerance and non-discrimination; and to develop educational programs and share best practice models.

On this International Day of Tolerance, we urge all participating States to redouble their efforts to implement these comprehensive commitments. This should include the adoption and enforcement of robust hate-crime legislation and the collection and reporting of hate crime data- preferably in a comprehensive, accurate and disaggregated form. Governments should work cooperatively with civil society, especially with religious and belief leaders and communities as well as with young persons, and women. We also underscore the importance of civil society coalitions as a tool to fight intolerance and strengthen resilience in a time of crisis.

We must strive to see that “tolerance” will come to mean not only acceptance but true respect and appreciation for the pluralism and diversity in our societies. All of us are responsible for making this a reality. The ODIHR is offering participating States its expertise and resources to implement their commitments. As the Personal Representatives of the Chairperson-in-Office for tolerance issues, we are also ready to assist.

Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism; Ambassador Mehmet Pacaci, Personal Representative on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims; Professor Regina Polak, Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions