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.