Valletta To Host OSCE Anti-Semitism Conference In April 2024
Valletta will be hosting the OSCE’s anti-semitism conference in April 2024 since it has assumed the Chairpersonship of the world’s largest regional security organisation.
The institution combats all aspects of security risks, which means that it reaches beyond the traditional and hard threats. Among another two dimensions, it extends to the human one which deals with human rights and how the violation of these can breed security risks.
Meanwhile, a focal part of its human dimension includes anti-semitism in fact, the 57 participating states made a political (not legal) commitment to address this form of discrimination in line with the 2003 adoption of the Maastricht Ministerial Council Decision.
Last year’s conference was held in Skopje; the Capital of North Macedonia which was the chairing country in 2023.
So, the city next in line to host this conference is Valletta and it will take place in April of this year, US Ambassador Michael Carpenter said in an address to the press.
Last year, the conference was there to:
- “Take stock of the progress made by OSCE participating States to implement their commitments to address anti-Semitism since the adoption of the 2003 Maastricht Ministerial Council Decision. There will be a particular focus on the themes of (i) recognizing, recording and prosecuting anti-Semitic hate crimes and addressing the security needs of Jewish communities, (ii) addressing anti-Semitism in and through education, and (iii) countering Holocaust denial and distortion and promoting Holocaust remembrance.
- Identify current challenges and best practices in relation to addressing anti-Semitism, in particular through a regional perspective and with a focus on the role of youth.
- Look to the future by surveying emerging trends and key areas of concern pertaining to addressing anti-Semitism, in particular online, in the mid- and long-term.”
However, the details of this year’s conference have not been made public yet.
Earlier today Foreign Minister and Chairperson of the Permanent Council of the OSCE Ian Borg announced the institution’s agenda for 2024. The Israel-Hamas war did not make it to the list of priorities.
That being said, Carpenter did admit that it will come up “periodically” since it is an important issue.
He explained that while the conflict doesn’t fall within the OSCE region, because none are participating states and Israel is just a partnering country, it will still come up as it is of global importance.
Lovin Malta is currently in Vienna reporting on the OSCE’s Permanent Council’s Maltese Chairpersonship’s formal inauguration for 2024.
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