Assisting law makers
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![wcbd-law.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/odihr_tool_200x235/public/images/wcbd-items/main/wcbd-law.jpg?itok=bvuLRoGV)
Adoption of adequate legislation to define and punish hate crimes is a key first step in addressing the problem. Participating States should:
- Enact, where appropriate, specific, tailored legislation to combat hate crime, in line with Decision 9/09 of the OSCE Ministerial Council,498 providing for effective penalties that take into account the gravity of such crimes; and
- Review existing legislation as appropriate to ensure, in particular, that there is specific provision for hate crimes to be subject to enhanced sentencing. The ODIHR publication Hate Crime Laws – A Practical Guide could serve as a reference tool for such reviews.