This free online course has been developed as a joint initiative by the European Programme for Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals “HELP” of the Council of Europe and the OSCE’s Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). As of 4 July 2022, the HELP course courses have been reorganised as two individual courses: Hate Crime (5 hours) and Hate Speech (3 hours), accessible directly via the CoE HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) home page.

The two phenomena – hate speech and hate crime – are very much interconnected, given that hate speech creates an environment in which people are more likely to commit hate crime. The two problems do however require their own specific responses and solutions.

This course therefore deals, interactively, with the appropriate legal responses to these complex problems. The course focuses on criminal law, law enforcement and criminal justice aspects of the legal response, while mentioning other relevant aspects. The course aims to assist legal professionals throughout Europe in understanding hate crime and hate speech and how to deal with them in their daily work. Topics are explored in a practical way, by using presentations, interactive screens, knowledge tests and reflective exercises to gain and apply knowledge and skills.

More information about the courses on the Council of Europe HELP online platform.