Human Rights First Oral Statement at the OSCE Conference on Antisemitism

April 29, 2004

Antisemitism is a form of racial discrimination, and therefore it is a violation of fundamental human rights. Human rights principles, expressed in numerous international treaties, provide an established framework for fighting racial discrimination of all kinds. Consistent with this framework, the necessary first step in combating antisemitism is to hold governments responsible for their actions, or for their inaction, in addressing this endemic problem.

In preparation for the OSCE conference, Human Rights First published a report entitled Antisemitism in Europe: Challenging Official Indifference. The report notes a number of recent positive developments in the European approach to antisemitism, such as new hate crimes laws in France and Belgium. While these are welcome steps, our analysis indicates that a number of European governments have a long way to go.

In the report we used three barometers to measure governmental progress in combating anti-Semitism. First, we examined governments’ monitoring practices. We found that only a handful of governments, including France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, systematically monitor and generate public reports on antisemitic crimes. We commend these nations. But most governments represented here are not doing so, among them Greece, Italy, Portugal and Russia. And we ask, why not?

Second, we examined criminal prosecution of hate crimes. A first step in strengthening prosecution is the adoption of laws making “racist motives” an aggravating circumstance in the commission of hate crimes. Again, only a small number of OSCE governments have such laws. Among those countries are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Germany, France, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom. We commend these nations for their leadership. But most governments around this table don’t have such laws, among them Belarus, Finland, Ireland, Spain and Uzbekistan. And we ask, why not?

Finally, we examined governmental oversight of monitoring and law enforcement. To maximize the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement, a small number of countries have established hate crimes units, to oversee official monitoring and work with law enforcement agencies to prosecute violators. Among those that have these special units are Denmark, France, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom. But in most European countries there is no such official body in place. And we ask, why not?

Each of these concrete measures will require a commitment by governments of time, money, and personnel. But most of all, they require political will. We urge all governments represented here to encourage the adoption of these measures in your own countries.

Finally I want to make two specific recommendations relating to this meeting and the future role of the OSCE. In several hours you will conclude your deliberations and issue a final statement or declaration. It will charge the OSCE and its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODHIR) to step up its role in monitoring antisemitic acts and to publicly disseminate relevant information. For the declaration to be meaningful, it needs to be backed up by a practical plan of action. This plan of action should include two key elements.

First, the OSCE should appoint a senior diplomat or other high profile political figure to serve as a Special Representative on antisemitism and other forms of racism. The Special Representative, who will be responsible for assuring the success of the OSCE’s efforts, should be a person of stature, with the tenacity and influence needed to drive this process.

Second, the appointment of a Special Representative will require new funding. Member states should appropriate sufficient financial resources to fund this work, as a part of the OSCE’s annual general budget. These funds should be used, among other things, to recruit a strong supporting staff focused specifically on antisemitic acts.

Working together in these concrete ways, we can have a real effect on real people’s lives.