One of the key results of the Working Group is the Protocol for Acting in Hate Crime Incidents – which was a precondition for the creation of a track record for the cases of hate crime. The track record enables the monitoring of cases from the moment of identification, through investigation, prosecution and finally sanctioning. We now need to further ensure that those who are most likely to benefit from its protection, namely persons belonging to minorities, are aware of these laws and mechanisms, and that these laws are effectively applied on the ground. In addition, we have organized human rights and anti-discrimination training courses for judges, lawyers, civil society organizations, employers and media. We are aware that good governance plays a vital role in involving minorities in societies and protecting their rights and interests. We believe that two dimensions are of great importance for justice: ensuring access to justice for minorities and strengthening confidence in the judiciary. In conclusion, I'd like to emphasize that we must keep the focus on questions related to national minorities. The key to protecting minorities lies in the equality before the law and a strict adherence to non-discrimination by all relevant actors in society. Therefore, we need to continue our efforts to promote tolerance and to build pluralistic societies where all persons enjoy full equality. Thank you.

Select target paragraph3