Tolerance & Non-discrimination OSCE participating States have embraced an extensive list of commitments to combat racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, including against Muslims, Christians and members of other religions. In these commitments, participating States recognize that intolerance and discrimination may escalate into wider violence and pose the threat for the security and stability of societies. Even though progress has been made to combat manifestations of intolerance, violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms remain prevalent in the OSCE region. To combat intolerance and to protect freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, ODIHR works with participating States and a broad network of civil society organizations. Main Issues Hate-Motivated Crimes and Violent Manifestations of Intolerance According to the annual ODIHR report Hate Crimes in the OSCE Region: Incidents and Responses, published in November 2012, numerous cases of hate-motivated intimidation, threats, vandalism, assaults, arson and murder were recorded throughout the OSCE region. The report stressed, once again, that a main challenge to understanding the scope and prevalence of hate crime remains the absence of reliable data. Freedom of Religion or Belief Restrictions on freedom of religion or belief are still reported throughout the OSCE region. In particular, the lack of recognition of the freedom to operate without registration, as well as bureaucratic and restrictive registration practices, limit both the basic right to exercise freedom of religion or belief and the access to legal personality for religious or belief communities in some parts of the OSCE. Additionally, the debate over the display of religious symbols and the relationship between freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief continue to dominate discussion. Challenging Biases and Prejudices through Education OSCE participating States have recognized the importance of education to building cohesive, pluralistic and diverse societies. As bias and prejudice may lead to violent expressions of intolerance, educational activities that include teaching about challenging stereotypes and bias, as well as about fundamental rights and equality, awareness-raising about the positive aspects of diversity and promotion of the remembrance of the Holocaust can help challenge such attitudes. Such activities are particularly needed in times of economic and financial crisis, when marginalized groups often become the targets of negative stereotyping. 54 ODIHR Annual Report 2012