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Description
The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacity of civil society in identifying different forms of intolerance and discrimination in order to provide effective responses and assistance to victims. The fundamental principles of the project activities are information, education, support and cooperation.
Information campaign will be organised, which will result in a better awareness by the general public and most vulnerable groups about the causes and consequences of intolerance, ways of protecting own rights and those of others by responding and reporting discrimination and hate speech/crimes.
The project will include training activities for civil society representatives, which will strengthen their capacity in reducing intolerance and improving their response to discrimination and hate speech/crimes and elaborating own initiatives.
The LCHR will provide free legal assistance to victims of discrimination and hate speech/crime and will expand online information resource on discrimination and hate crimes accessible by the public. Cooperation between civil society and law enforcement authorities will be strengthened, thereby ensuring better access to legal aid and support for different vulnerable groups.
In order to better understand the prevalence of hate speech in Latvia and elaborate the necessary future measures to combat and reduce it, research will be undertaken on hate speech on internet platforms in Latvia. The project will raise awareness among the public and various vulnerable groups about the consequences of intolerance and the protection of their rights, increase support for victims of discrimination and hate crimes, and strengthen the capacity of NGOs to combat intolerance.
Summary of project results
1. Low public tolerance towards certain groups:
- Although tolerance towards some vulnerable groups has increased, there is still a high level of intolerance towards certain groups, such as the Roma and LGBT+ communities.
2. Prevalence of hate speech and hate crime:
- Hate speech, especially on the internet, is a common phenomenon that contributes to discrimination and physical attacks.
- The number of officially registered hate crimes is low, but NGO data suggests a wider problem that is often not revealed by victims.
3. Insufficient awareness and support:
- Many representatives of vulnerable groups do not know how to recognize and protect their rights.
- Insufficient support for victims of discrimination and hate crime.
4. Ineffective combating of discrimination:
- 40% of Latvian residents believe that previous efforts have been ineffective.
- Reporting of discrimination is rare and often late; people refrain from going to court because of lengthy processes and low compensation.
5. Low capacity of NGOs and the Ombudsman:
- NGOs lack the legal capacity to effectively represent victims.
- The Ombudsman''s office does not provide support in legal proceedings, which is often the only way to achieve justice.
6. Distrust of police and institutions:
- Victims often do not report hate crimes due to distrust, indifferent or offensive attitudes, lack of information and fear.
7. Insufficient cross-sectoral cooperation:
- Better cooperation between NGOs, state institutions and law enforcement agencies is needed to systematically address the problems.
8. Slow progress in systemic change:
- Although training and discussions are taking place, changes in the system are being implemented slowly, hindering significant progress.
1. Information campaign on ways to respond to discrimination and hate speech/crimes: information booklets, articles, posts on social networks were prepared; five information seminars were held with foreigners living in Latvia, one information seminar for representatives of the Roma nationality, six seminars for young people on recognizing and reporting hate speech, a one-day closing conference. In addition, a collection of real-life stories of people about cases of discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes was carried out and published.
2. Training for 27 NGO representatives on discrimination and manifestations of hate speech/crimes: three components - a three-day seminar, which covered both theoretical and practical sessions; preparation and implementation of initiatives; evaluation and experience sharing seminar.
3. Legal assistance to victims/witnesses of discrimination and hate crimes/hate speech: legal assistance was provided to victims/witnesses both in person, by telephone and remotely via e-mail or video consultations (107 persons). Legal assistance will include oral consultations, requests for information, applications, complaints, statements of claim, appeals, preparation of opinions, and, if necessary, representation in court.
4. Strengthening cooperation between NGOs and law enforcement institutions on issues of hate crimes and hate speech: NGOs working with persons suffering from hate crimes/hate speech, cooperation and establishment of permanent contacts with law enforcement institutions (in the format of two round tables, with the participation of 9 NGOs and representatives of the Riga Municipal Police, State Police; two seminars were also held for Prison Administration employees).
5. Study: Hate Speech in Latvia – Current Trends and Challenges: Recommendations were provided for reducing hate speech and possible directions for civil society and policymakers on mitigating hate speech, as well as for national news portals and other internet platforms on recommended improvements in responding to hate speech.
Educational and Informative Events:
- Seminars for foreigners, refugees, minorities, youth, and NGO representatives.
- Training on human rights, their implementation, and methods that NGOs can use in the long term.
- Informational materials (booklets, online resources) on discrimination, hate crimes, and where to seek help.
Legal Assistance and Consultations:
- Legal aid provided to victims of discrimination, hate speech, and hate crimes (via email, phone, remote meetings, and in person).
- Support in drafting legal documents and representation in legal processes.
- Enhanced LCC’s professional capacity to continue supporting victims in the future.
Distribution of Informational Materials:
- Materials distributed online and in locations accessible to target groups.
Outcomes:
- Increased public and vulnerable group awareness of human rights and equality issues.
- A decrease in the proportion of individuals unaware of where to seek help in cases of discrimination.
- Strengthened NGO capacity and improved support services for victims of discrimination.
- Enhanced collaboration between society, NGOs, and institutions in addressing discrimination issues.