Tolerance and Non-discrimination trends include the use of intolerant and discriminatory discourse against religions or belief groups, as well as discrimination against individuals in the workplace and public services on grounds of religion or belief. These actions may be a direct result of legislation and policies, or, in other cases, they may arise as a result of a lack of protective action from state authorities, often in the face of a dominant religious majority. kk Education: Since hate-motivated crime is frequently the result of negative stereotypes, often passed from generation to generation, educational efforts aimed at promoting mutual respect and understanding; an appreciation of cultural, religious, 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 ODIHR’s annual report on hate crime in the OSCE region. 54 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? How often and why are perpetrators not identified and punished appropriately? What is the relationship between intolerant speech and criminal acts motivated by bias? Answers to such basic questions are needed before anyone can make a serious effort to combat violent manifestations of hate. For that reason, one of the most important parts of 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 ODIHR to identify where good practices exist and where there are gaps in implementation of OSCE commitments related to tolerance and non-discrimination. This is Annual Report 2007 the foundation for all ODIHR’s activities in this field; it has informed the development of assistance programmes that 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 hate-motivated acts for what they are: namely, a problem that is not confined within borders and that demands an international response. In many cases, ODIHR’s role has been simply to bring together individuals and organizations with expertise and knowledge to share; in others, ODIHR has played a larger role in developing methodologies, conducting training, monitoring incidents, and publishing reports and handbooks. 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 2007, activities were conducted in the following five areas in particular: kk Collecting and disseminating information about hate crime; kk Improving responses to hate crimes; kk Developing educational tools; kk Supporting civil society; and kk Promoting freedom of religion or belief. I. Collecting and disseminating information about hate crime ODIHR has been assisting the efforts of states by serving as a collection point for information and statistics on hate crime and by making this information publicly available. During last year’s HDIM, ODIHR presented its first annual report on hate crime, entitled Hate Crimes in the OSCE Region: Incidents and Responses. Based on information received from governments, international organizations, and civil society, the report provides an overview of patterns and trends pertaining to hate-