The final conference of the hate crime prevention project was held

The final conference of the project “Strengthening the Response to Hate Crimes and the Language of Hate in Lithuania” funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (2014–2020) was held on 10th of September, 2020.

The project was implemented by the Ministry of the Interior (coordinator), the Prosecutor General's Office and the Office of the Inspector of Journalistic Ethics starting from 3rd of September, 2018.

Objectives of the project were: to ensure effective imposition of liability for hate crimes and hate speech; to improve the understanding and knowledge of competent authorities about the impact of hate crimes and hate speech on communities, as well as the needs and expectations of vulnerable communities; to address the problem of non-reporting of hate crimes and hate speech; intensify the fight against online incitement to hatred.

The main activities of the project focused on three areas: strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, building trust between the authorities and vulnerable communities, and strengthening the capacity to report hate speech.

During the implementation of the project, a qualitative study of vulnerable communities and research methodology was developed, case studies on hate crimes and hate speech were analysed and 4 recommendation documents were prepared. Moreover, 17 articles in online media and press (national and regional dailies) were prepared and published and 34 events (trainings, seminars, discussions, round table discussions) were organized.

Hate crime is any criminal offence motivated by hatred towards a group of persons or an individual person belonging to a group based on their age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, nationality, language, origin, social status, beliefs and views.

Funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (2014-2020)