The adoption by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe of the Recommendations on combating hate speech (CM/Rec(2022)16) and combating hate crime (CM/Rec(2024)4) created a comprehensive human rights framework for challenging hate across Europe. 

The European Centre for the Study of Hate at the University of Limerick organises in association with the Council of Europe Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI) the Conference "Challenging Hate: Protecting Human Rights and Strengthening Democracy" to be held on 28 and 29 May 2026 in Limerick, Ireland.

This two-day conference will gather academics, policymakers, practitioners, members of civil society organisations, and activists to discuss the scope and potential impact of the Recommendations, as well as means by which they can be operationalised locally, nationally and internationally. 

Hate speech and hate crime led to dangerous divisions in society, affect the participation and inclusion of those who are targeted, and threaten democracy. 

As hate is mobilised and politicised within and outside our borders, this conference will challenge proposals for actionable change that seek to promote the fundamental principles of equality and human dignity protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.

Distinguished speakers will include Professor Barbara Perry, UNESCO Chair of Hate Studies; Stephanie Öner, Chairperson of the Council of Europe Committe of Experts on Hate Crime; Marion Adam, Avocate générale référendaire, Cour de cassation and Vice-Chair of the Council of Europe committee on combating hate crime; and Klára Kalibová, Founder of In IUSTITIA. The conference will also feature of the launch of The De Gruyter Handbook on European Hate Crime. 

For more information and registration, visit the Challenging Hate Conference website.