Back SOGI Unit at the EU Davis-Hael conference: EU Values, Diversity, and Intercultural Dialogue - Enhancing the Debate

SOGI Unit at the EU Davis-Hael conference: EU Values, Diversity, and Intercultural Dialogue - Enhancing the Debate

On 22 April 2021, the Sexual Orientation and Gender identity Unit (SOGI) of the Council of Europe participated in the conference “EU Values, Diversity, and Intercultural Dialogue: Enhancing the Debate”. During the event, the work of the SOGI Unit and the Information Society Department of the Council of Europe were presented, as well as interventions from eminent academics.

At this time of great social change, due to the dominance of mass mainstream- and social-media, SOGIESC hate speech, especially online, is having an increasing impact on LGBTI persons’ lives. No European country is exempt from SOGIESC based hate speech and often the victims belong to the most vulnerable: transgender persons, and those experiencing intersectional discrimination.

Eleni Tsetsekou, head of the SOGI Unit, presented the role of the Council of Europe and the SOGI Unit in addressing hate speech in the member states, by focusing on the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) General Policy Recommendation 15 on Combating Hate Speech, and the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. Eleni Tsetsekou also addressed the role of the SOGI Unit in providing technical support and expertise to member states through cooperation activities aiming at improving the legal and institutional frameworks, as well as promoting good practices and raising awareness. This is achieved through various actions, including training of law enforcement agents to assist with improved reporting and combating of SOGIESC-based hate speech and hate crime.

Eleni Tsetsekou concluded that by exchanging good practices on reporting and countering cases of hate speech on the grounds of SOGIESC, positive change is being brough to the lives of all citizens across Europe. She highlighted the importance of familiarizing ourselves with Council of Europe standards in the field of hate speech and hate crime and ensuring that our networks understand the importance of applying them. Through a complex approach, change can be initiated not only within the legal system of respective member states but at all levels of society.

Strasbourg 22 April 2021
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public Human Dignity and Gender Equality Department sexual orientation and gender identity general

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