Tolerance and Non-discrimination O DIHR’s work in support of tolerance and non-discrimination represents a significant contribution to security across the OSCE region. Although OSCE participating States have undertaken numerous commitments to combat racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, including against Muslims, Christians and members of other religions, violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms continue to threaten stability and security. Work must still be done to defend the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, and eliminate manifestations of intolerance in order to build cohesive communities where diversity and pluralism are seen as assets to democratic and pluralistic societies. Tolerance and non-discrimination have ranked high among the priorities of the past several OSCE chairmanships. Under Finland’s leadership in 2008, the Chairman-inOffice re-appointed three personal representatives dedicated to particular aspects of tolerance and non-discrimination. The Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM) held on 29 and 30 May in Vienna, focused on the role of national institutions in responding to and combating racism and xenophobia, particularly, where such cases involve persons belonging to national minorities or migrants. Participants provided recommendations related to the role and mandate of these institutions in order to ensure that they are able to provide protection from racism and xenophobia, and also contribute to the development of national strategies, policies and action plans. In follow-up to the Meeting, ODIHR developed a new  project to provide  technical support and assistance to national institutions in their efforts to address racism and xenophobia. During the annual OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM), a special day on freedom of religion or belief was held, which provided an opportunity to review the implementation of OSCE commitments and national legislation in this area. Main Issues kk Hate-motivated crimes and violent manifestations of intolerance: Hate crimes are the most violent manifestations of bias, and may take the form of assault, murder, threats or property damage, including arson, desecration or vandalism. In its annual report Hate Crimes in the OSCE Region: Incidents and Responses for 2007, ODIHR identified a continued pattern of brutal attacks on minorities, often intended to degrade or humiliate the victims. The report also highlighted continuing challenges states face in responding to hate crimes, including a lack of accurate data about the nature and extent of such crimes, which hampers law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in responding to hate crime effectively. Another remaining challenge is the absence of effective legislation on hate crimes, meaning that these cases are not distinguished from other criminal cases. Finally, even where legislation exists, there is often a lack of knowledge on the part of law enforcement and prosecuting bodies of techniques to prove bias motivation. kk Freedom of religion or belief: Throughout the OSCE region, individuals, religious communities and participating States face a range of issues related to freedom of religion or belief. Problems include infringements on the right to change, adopt and renounce a religion or a belief, as well as limitations on the right to manifest one’s religion or belief. Limitations to manifestations of religion or belief include the disruption or prohibition of worship, even in Annual Report 2008 47