[ Tolerance and Non-discrimination ] Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk addresses the opening session of an OSCE meeting on combating hate crimes against Christians, Rome, 12 September 2011. (OSCE/Jens Eschenbaecher) Vienna. The meeting welcomed more than 150 participants, who examined the impact of intolerant discourse on individual security and social cohesion. Participants also discussed the role of media and political representatives in promoting mutual understanding and respect for diversity. At the end of the conference, participants provided recommendations for participating States, NGOs and intergovernmental organizations. Raising Awareness about Intolerance against Christians In co-operation with the Lithuanian Chairmanship-inOffice, ODIHR also organized the “High-Level Meeting on Preventing and Responding to Hate Incidents and Crimes against Christians”, on 12 September in Rome. The meeting was attended by some 150 representatives from participating States, religious communities and non-governmental organizations. Participants discussed how to raise awareness and collect data on this issue. A special focus was placed on attacks on places of worship, one of the most common forms of hate crimes experienced by Christian communities. 58 ODIHR Annual Report 2011 Promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief ODIHR organized the “Capacity Building Seminar on Freedom of Religion or Belief” for the State Committee on Religious Affairs of Kyrgyzstan on 14 and 15 June in Istanbul. Participants learned about international norms and standards pertaining to freedom of religion or belief, including the broad range of OSCE commitments in this area. ODIHR shared good practices on combating hate crimes committed on the basis of religion or belief following the adoption of the UN Human Rights Council Resolution 16/18 on combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion or belief. ODIHR continued work on updating its Guidelines for the Review of Legislation on Freedom of Religion or Belief, and consultations with governments, belief communities and experts on the draft will take place in 2012.