To ensure effective responses in combating discrimination, hate crimes and related incidents, on 27-28 June 2024, the Council of Europe gathered the representatives of the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its Special Investigation Service, the Supreme Court, and judges from instance courts, advocating for the standardisation of national practices related to the identification of hate-motivated crimes.

The participants of the meeting emphasised the importance of stronger and more effective co-operation, especially in the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of hate crimes. They have highlighted the importance of exchange of knowledge, good practices and experiences. Introduction of a topic-specific co-ordination mechanism would allow for the development and implementation of effective instruments and policies to reduce biases related to gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity, as well as hate crimes targeting vulnerable groups. The participants analysed best practices and complex cases, as well as methodology and practice of hate collecting data on hate crimes.

The meeting was organised with the support of the Council of Europe’s project ”Enhancing Equality and Non-Discrimination in Georgia”, which is funded through the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024-2027.