Irine Chikhladze, Deputy Public Defender of Georgia, and Ana Kvatchadze, acting Head of the Equality Department, attended seminars organized by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, by special invitation.

Representatives of human rights institutions of the Council of Europe member states participated in the international seminar on the topic - "The Role of Equality Bodies in Combating Hate Speech and Hate Crimes".

The meetings focused on the severe forms of hate speech and effective response to hate crimes, the possibilities of equality bodies in this direction, based on their educational and rights protection mandate, support services for victims of hate speech and hate crimes.

Representatives of equality bodies participating in the seminar spoke about the challenges existing at the national level, the necessary legislative changes and examples of good practice.

Representatives of the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries participating in the regional seminar "Against Racism and Racial Discrimination" discussed the current situation in terms of responding to racism, presented recommendations of a comparative analysis of the fight against racism in the Western Balkans and Eastern European countries, and set further steps for action at the local level.

The participants also received updated information and best practices about the latest events taking place at the European level in this direction.