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Hate crimes are offences committed against people on account of their race, religion, beliefs, sexual orientation, identity or disability. On 28 April the Minister of Security and Justice, Ard van der Steur, and the director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), Micheal O’Flaherty, will be launching a website aimed at tackling hate crimes. The website launch marks the start of a two-day EU conference on hate crimes.

Hate crimes are common in the European Union, but the motives behind them are often unclear. This is  because when criminal complaints are filed and offenders are prosecuted, the focus is on the crimes themselves. As a result, victims feel misunderstood.  To combat hate crimes in the EU more effectively and improve victim support, member states need to discuss the best ways to report and register these crimes.

Practical guidelines

The website being launched on 28 April will make it easier for EU member states to share information about reporting hate crimes. The website will present practical guidelines for law enforcement and policymakers that can applied in the member states.

Law enforcement experts will examine the topic of hate crimes in greater detail during the two-day conference.

Documents

• Press invitation: Europe to take a tougher stance against hate crimes

  Hate crimes are common in the European Union. Criminal offences are regarded as hate crimes when they are committed on account…