Diffusion of laws addressing anti-LGBT violence to South-East European countries

Project Information

ENTER

Grant agreement ID: 895099

DOI

10.3030/895099

Project closed

EC signature date 15 April 2020

Start date 1 September 2021

End date 31 August 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 166 320,00

EU contribution

€ 166 320,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ENTER (Diffusion of laws addressing anti-LGBT violence to South-East European countries)

Reporting period: 2021-09-01 to 2023-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in states adopting stricter penalties for anti-LGBTI hate crimes. This trend is evident in East and South-East European countries, several of which have historically had patchy records on LGBTI equality. While many of these states have introduced hate crime laws, there's little proof of their consistent enforcement. This disparity has prompted questions about the genuine commitment of these countries and initiated an exploration into their legislative motivations.

The ascent of anti-LGBTI hate crime laws in East and South-East Europe matches a growing global awareness of this issue. Notably, this legislative shift aligns with the EU integration ambitions of these nations. However, the exact influence of the EU and other international entities in enhancing national hate crime measures is not yet fully understood.

The ENTER project, conducted at the Université Libre de Bruxelles by Dr Piotr Godzisz and supervised by Dr David Paternotte, adopted an innovative research approach. This approach delved deep into state responses to hate crimes, moving beyond just legislative changes to address practical implementation challenges. The research explored national strategies, spotlighting non-Western and non-anglophone countries, to gauge their reactions to these severe offences. Data were collated through expert and elite interviews, further enriched by graphic elicitation techniques. The objective was to design a model that clarified the motivations and methods of South-East and East European countries in tackling anti-LGBTI hate crimes. Particular attention was given to Georgia and North Macedonia, both of which have recently embraced such legislation but differ in its enforcement. By combining Europeanisation with criminalisation concepts, the research not only tackled a global policy concern but also bridged academic gaps.

Importance for Society: Hate crimes erode societal cohesion and can lead to extended cycles of violence and discrimination. Addressing these acts is crucial to uphold justice and foster a unified, inclusive society. By enhancing understanding of the motivations and external factors that drive policy responses to hate crimes across various nations, the project has the potential to influence and refine policymaking at both national and regional levels.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The ENTER project, initiated to explore the landscape of anti-LGBTI hate crime policies, especially in non-Western and non-anglophone nations, has achieved notable successes over its duration.

Nation-specific Approaches to Hate Crimes: A significant output of the research was a deep insight into the diverse mechanisms, legislations, and enforcement practices nations use to address hate crimes. By examining various national frameworks, the project highlighted the intricate relationship between socio-cultural norms, legislative practices, and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in these countries. A series of academic and policy-oriented publications followed the research. Articles in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence and The International Journal of Human Rights extended the reach of the project's findings and contributed to the global discourse on hate crimes and policy responses.

Engagement with International Entities: Interaction with key international bodies, such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, allowed the project to influence policy-making at a broader level. It also facilitated the exchange of best practices, challenges, and recommendations, leading to a more thorough understanding of the issue.

Collaboration and Networking: Another achievement was forging a strong network with prominent research institutions and academics, including experts in political science, international relations, and criminology. These partnerships enabled a rich exchange of knowledge, data, and expertise, enriching the scope of the research.

In conclusion, the ENTER project effectively bridged academic research, policy development, and practical application concerning anti-LGBT hate crimes. It exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and research's potential to drive impactful societal change.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The ENTER project has offered a detailed view of hate crime dynamics and the related policy responses.

Understanding of State Motivations: The ENTER project shed light on the factors that shape states' responses to hate crimes, especially in non-Western and non-anglophone countries. This enriched the existing knowledge of policy decisions across various socio-cultural environments.

Influence of International Organisations and Local Agents: A significant element of the project was the identification of the roles that international entities and local actors play in policy development. This underscored the intertwined nature of global and local dynamics in tackling hate crimes.

Relevance to Policy: Insights from the ENTER project have informed areas of policy-making at both the national and regional levels, showcasing the project's tangible relevance in real-world scenarios.

Wider Societal and Economic Implications: The reach of the ENTER project extends beyond academic circles. Its focus on a comprehensive understanding of hate crimes and their consequences suggests a path for societies towards greater inclusivity. Effectively addressing hate crimes can foster environments that encourage social unity and stability.

In summary, the ENTER project has provided insights that could refine the strategies addressing hate crimes and their prevention across various societal settings.

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