“Local and regional authorities must set an example by making a strong commitment against hate speech and in favour of diversity”, stressed Harald Bergmann, Congress spokesperson on Human Rights, at a panel discussion on “Inclusive societies: How to get it right?”. This meeting was organised by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) in the framework of the High-level Conference “On the Road to Effective Equality – New responses to racism and intolerance needed” which was held in Paris on 26 and 27 September 2019.

“Co-operation between public sector and civil society is the key to preventing and combating socio-cultural segregation in neighbourhoods, institutions and public spaces”, stressed Mr. Bergmann, highlighting the role of local authorities. “Local and regional authorities can contribute, through projects in the field, to strengthen mutual understanding between the host society and the newcomers”, he explained.

Effective mechanisms include sharing good practices at local and regional level, setting up codes of conduct for public officials and political parties, and organising awareness-raising campaigns that focus on the negative consequences of hate speech.

Mr. Bergmann also presented the Human Rights Handbook for local and regional authorities, which gathers successful examples on the implementation of human rights at the grassroots level, focusing in particular on refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and IDPs (internally displaced persons), Roma and Travelers and LGBTI people.