WASHINGTON—Today the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) announced the following hearing:

Anti-Semitism, Racism and Discrimination in the OSCE Region

Tuesday, July 22, 2014
10:00 a.m.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room 562

Following an escalation of anti-Semitic hate crimes a decade ago, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) intensified efforts to combat prejudice and discrimination throughout Eurasia and North America. Since 2004, three Personal Representatives have been appointed annually by the OSCE Chair-in-Office (currently Switzerland) to address anti-Semitism; racism, xenophobia, and discrimination including against Christians and members of other religions; and intolerance and discrimination against Muslims. In an official joint visit to the United States, the Personal Representatives will address progress and ongoing challenges in the OSCE region a decade after the creation of their positions.

The following witnesses are scheduled to testify:

• Rabbi Andrew Baker, Personal Representative on Combating Anti-Semitism
• Professor Talip Küçukcan, Personal Representative on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims
• Alexey Avtonomov, Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions