Tolerance and Non-discrimination gious, and ethnic diversity; and remembrance of the Holocaust can help eliminate such attitudes. While a number of participating States have undertaken such efforts, more long-term and coherent approaches are needed to have a real impact. Activities Just how widespread is the problem of discrimination? How frequently are hate crimes committed? Where do they occur, and who are the victims? What steps are being taken by law enforcement agencies and by governments? Answers to such basic questions are needed before anyone can make a serious effort to combat hate in all its manifestations. For that reason, one of the most important parts of the ODIHR’s work in this field is its role as a collection point for relevant information, including statistics from states and police agencies, as well as examples of good practices from a wide variety of sources, including governmental and non-governmental organizations. The collection and analysis of such information has allowed the ODIHR to identify where good practices exist and where there are gaps in implementation of OSCE commitments related to tolerance and non-discrimination. This knowledge is the foundation for all the ODIHR’s activities in this field and has provided the basis for its ability to offer states and NGOs technical assistance, expert-to-expert training, and opportunities to exchange information and best practices. It has also provided the basis for the creation of regional partnerships and the development of joint strategies that recognize hatemotivated crimes and acts for what they are: namely, a problem that is not confined within borders and that demands an international response. In many cases, the ODIHR’s role has been simply to bring individuals and organizations together; in others, the ODIHR has played a larger role in developing methodologies, conducting training, carrying out research, and writing and disseminating reports and publications. The result is a collection of technical tools and assistance programmes that help governments, law enforcement agencies, and educators, as well as broader civil society, including organizations and concerned individuals, to combat intolerance and to promote the ideals of mutual respect and understanding. In 2006, activities were conducted in the following five areas in particular: k Improving responses to hate crimes; k Developing educational tools; k Supporting civil society; k Promoting freedom of religion or belief; and k Developing the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Information System. I. Improving responses to hate crimes In 2006, the ODIHR launched its Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Information System.10 Available at http://tandis.odihr.pl, the site provides access to action plans, statistics, legislation, and information on practical initiatives from OSCE participating States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and other specialized bodies. Information is accessible through entry points such as: } Quick reference for particular types of materials; } Corners for information for particular user groups; } Key issues for information about particular issues and working areas of the programme; and } Country pages for information about particular countries. 10 For more information about the Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Information System, see p. 71. 66 Annual Report  Data collection Most OSCE countries lack mechanisms for identifying perpetrators and victims of hate crime, which makes it difficult for governments and law enforcement agencies to know how extensive the problem is or where to target resources to combat it. The ODIHR has been assisting the efforts of states by serving as a collection point for information and statistics on hate crime, which is invaluable for states when developing their own responses. In September, the ODIHR produced its first periodic report on hate crime, called “Chal-