Diversity Intolerance for and discrimination against specific groups or communities with a view to their ethnicity, language, culture or religious beliefs creates a breeding ground for violent conflict by contributing to the build-up of tensions that might result in violence. Intolerant and discriminatory behaviour, such as hate speech, might be related to past conflicts, corresponding grievances, or traumatic experiences. However, such behaviour can also be linked to the promotion of prejudices and stereotypes, or a simple lack of understanding of “the other”. In South-Eastern Europe, the OSCE has worked for more than 20 years to promote tolerance and respect for diversity. The following examples provide insight into this work. 1. Social cohesion Following an inter-ethnic conflict that saw thousands of people killed, raped, and displaced, poor inter-ethnic relations became part of everyday life. Inter-community interaction was fraught with tension, disputes, mutual recriminations, and occasional outbursts of violence. Recognizing that tolerance and non-discrimination are fundamental to the building of sustainable peace and stability, the OSCE made a substantial effort and dedicated considerable resources to promoting tolerance and non-discrimination after the conflict ended. Among others, it supported the establishment 87