OSCE/ODIHR Discusses Anti-Christian Hate Crimes in High-Level Workshop

Posted on: May 30, 2026

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How can governments, churches, and civil society better prevent and respond to anti-Christian hate crimes? This was the question addressed at a workshop in Rome, which brought together representatives of Christian communities, civil society organisations, international experts and public authorities to discuss the implementation of the new OSCE/ODIHR Guide on addressing anti-Christian hate crime. OIDAC Europe was invited to present current data and reporting strategies as part of an expert panel.

We are grateful for the opportunity to bring particular attention to the situation of Christian migrants and converts from Islam, who are often under threat, but remain largely overlooked in security considerations. Another key theme was the importance of accurate hate crime data and the media's responsibility in providing balanced and accurate information about Christian communities. 

We are grateful to OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) for creating a forum for this important exchange of experiences and good practices. ODIHR's Practical Guide on Understanding Anti-Christian Hate Crimes and Addressing the Security Needs of Christian Communities provides tangible and concrete recommendations for improving reporting, protection, and cooperation between authorities and religious communities.

Link to the OSCE Guide: https://odihr.osce.org/odihr/594847