4.2 SAMPLE LETTERS REQUESTING MORE INFORMATION IN ORDER TO DECIDE WHETHER TO TAKE ACTION ON A CASE EXAMPLE 1: Request for more information on a serious incident: Dear .......................... , Thank you for your letter of 11 January 2003 concerning the skinhead attacks earlier that day on members of the Temple of God in Lisviensaw. Unprovoked attacks on innocent worshippers is an issue of deep concern. Such incidents violate basic OSCE values of tolerance, non-discrimination, rule of law, and freedom of religion or belief. The Mission has spoken out against such attacks in the past. Judging from the information you provided, the government was not involved in, or responsible for, this attack. Nevertheless, OSCE participating States are committed under the Copenhagen Document (1990) and other agreements to “take effective measures ... to provide protection against any acts that constitute incitement to violence against persons or groups based on national, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination, hostility or hatred.” We hope, therefore, that you have raised your complaint directly with the police and other government authorities. Given the apparent seriousness of this incident, we are considering raising the matter in an upcoming meeting with senior government authorities. Before doing so, however, it would be helpful to have additional details of what exactly occurred on 11 January and what the government response to the incident has been. To this end, I will be visiting Lisviensaw on Wednesday, 29 January, and would like to meet with you and other members of the congregation at that time to discuss the incident. Please let me know if a meeting on that date would possible. Sincerely, A4 Jane Smithova Human Dimension Officer 127