To effectively protect the rights of vulnerable population groups, it is essential to join forces. Human rights organizations and law enforcement agencies must collaborate closely, and it is equally important to foster cooperation not only within the state but also at the interregional level. This is why Gender Stream participated in an event designed to facilitate the exchange of experiences between representatives of the national police and the public from Albania and other Western Balkan countries, and Ukraine.
We are deeply grateful to the European Union and the Council of Europe for organizing this event, which provided us the opportunity to discuss strategies for combating hate crimes in accordance with European standards on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). To aid in the effective detection and investigation of such crimes, there were presented the manuals “Police Education on Equality and Non-Discrimination” and “Police and Hate Crimes Against LGBTI Persons.”
The National Police of Ukraine and Gender Stream NGO, alongside colleagues from the Western Balkans, shared their experiences in combating hate crimes and discussed the measures used during the organization of pride marches and other large-scale events. The Ukrainian delegation highlighted the unique challenges they face in the context of a full-scale war.
During this productive week, we collaboratively developed new tools for the exchange of experiences between EU countries and Ukraine. Inspired and determined, we continue to advocate for draft law #5488 and to ensure the protection of LGBTQI+ rights. Joint challenges are best overcome through collective action!