Listen to or download the Audio Podcast (produced by CSIS)
Human Rights First and The Center for Strategic and International Studies co-hosted a panel discussion on November 19, 2008:
Intolerance and Discrimination in Today’s Russia
Intolerance and Discrimination in Today’s Russia
Intolerance and xenophobia are widespread in today’s Russia. Violent hate crimes have been on the rise in recent years. Please join this panel of experts to discuss nongovernmental efforts to monitor such incidents and the Russian government’s response to them; the challenges in combating hate crimes through a human rights framework; and the role of religious freedom in Russia’s human rights struggle. The panel will also present recommendations for the Russian government and the next U.S. administration to effectively address discrimination, violence, and religious intolerance in the Russian Federation.
The event’s main presenter was Alexander Verkhovsky of the Moscow-based SOVA Center for Information and Analysis, who provided the latest updates on the situation in Russia, outlining new trends and discussing the problem of the misuse of legislation countering extremism. Cathy Cosman, senior policy analyst at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, addressed official Russian policies toward freedom of religion or belief within that country’s human rights climate. Tad Stahnke presented the findings of our 2008 Hate Crime Survey, focusing on recommendations to U.S. government officials and foreign policy-makers.
Panelists:
Alexander Verkhovsky, Director
SOVA Center for Information and Analysis, Moscow
Read Alexander’s Remarks
Tad Stahnke, Director
Fighting Discrimination Program, Human Rights First
Read 2008 Hate Crime Survey Chapter on Russia
Catherine Cosman, Senior Policy Analyst
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Read Cathy’s Remarks
Moderated by Sarah Mendelson
Center for Strategic and International Studies
