Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians the focus of OSCE Conference

At a meeting of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Vienna on 14 December 2016, civil society leaders called for giving the subject of intolerance and discrimination against Christians more serious attention.

The Conference on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians was organized by the 2016 German OSCE Chairmanship and the ODIHR with the aim of developing "sustainable strategies for the eradication of the roots of intolerance and discrimination". 

"It is our responsibility to prevent and respond to all manifestations of intolerance – including against Christians," said Eberhard Pohl, Permanent Representative of Germany to the OSCE, in his opening statement. 

Over the past few years, increased attacks on Christian individuals and communities in the OSCE area have highlighted the need to address the problem of intolerance against Christians, with a specific focus on hate crimes. Participating States within the OSCE have also recognized the need to work on the development of educational tools designed to address intolerance and discrimination in education settings.

More information: www.intoleranceagainstchristians.eu