At a side event of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has launched a groundbreaking new resource: Understanding Anti-Christian Hate Crimes and Addressing the Security Needs of Christian Communities.

This comprehensive guide represents the latest addition to a series of practical tools designed for government authorities and civil society organizations to prevent and respond to hate crimes while addressing the security needs of religious and other communities at risk from intolerance and hatred.

The publication offers a comprehensive framework for effective cooperation between law enforcement agencies and Christian communities. Its primary goals include improving safety, building trust between authorities and communities, and ensuring that bias-motivated crimes are properly recognized and effectively addressed.

The guide on combating anti-Christian hate crimes emphasizes a critical principle: all forms of hatred based on religion or belief need to be condemned swiftly and without reservation. This clear stance reflects the OSCE’s commitment to protecting religious freedom and human rights across its member states.

The OSCE region encompasses 57 participating states across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. This guide will serve as a vital resource for policymakers, law enforcement officials, and community leaders across this vast geographic area, helping to standardize best practices and improve protection for Christian communities facing intolerance and violence.