Conference, 28-29 May 2026
The European Centre for the Study of Hate in association with the Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI) of the Council of Europe Challenging Hate: Protecting Human Rights and Strengthening Democracy Conference
The adoption by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe of its two sibling Recommendations on combating hate speech (CM/Rec(2022)16) and combating hate crime (CM/Rec(2024)4) created a comprehensive human rights framework for challenging hate across Europe.
The European Centre for the Study of Hate at the University of Limerick will host, in association with the Council of Europe Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion, a two day conference on the Limerick campus for academics, policy-makers, practitioners, members of civil society organisations, and activists to discuss the scope and potential impact of the Recommendations, as well as means by which they can be operationalised locally, nationally and internationally.
Hate speech and hate crime lead to dangerous divisions in society, affect the participation and inclusion of those who are targeted, and threaten democracy.
As hate is mobilised and politicised within and outside our borders, this conference will challenge us to develop actionable proposals for change as we seek to promote the fundamental principles of equality and human dignity protected by the European Convention on Human Rights. We welcome contributions from across sectors including from practitioners, policy-makers, and academics.
Distinguished speakers will include Professor Barbara Perry, UNESCO Chair of Hate Studies; Stephanie Öner, Chairperson of the Council of Europe Committee of Experts on Hate Crime; Marion Adam, Avocate générale référendaire, Cour de cassation and Vice-Chair of the Council of Europe Committee on combating hate crime; and Klára Kalibová, Founder of In IUSTITIA. The conference will also feature of the launch of The De Gruyter Handbook on European Hate Crime.
Submitting abstracts
- Call for abstracts closed
- If you have submitted an abstract, and require further information, please email ECSH@ul.ie
Access the conference programme to learn more about talks and events
Conference registration now open
Participating in the conference
- We welcome proposals for in-person participation: unfortunately, pre-recorded or hybrid participation is not possible for the conference
- Attendance at the conference is welcome to all, including those not formally presenting a paper
- Proposals are welcome from across sectors including from practitioners, policy-makers and academics
- Proposals for participation should link to the broad agenda of combating hate, and/or the text of one or both recommendations on combating hate:
- The language of the conference will be English and there will be no translation services available. Abstracts in the French language will be accepted and included in a French language stream at the conference.
Registration and accommodation
Speakers and attendees will pay for their own travel and accommodation costs, along with the conference registration fee.
Details on how to get to University of Limerick.
The registration fee will be approximately €200 per delegate, which includes all meals including the conference dinner on the evening of May 28th, and a BBQ (weather depending!) on the evening of May 29th.
Scholarships and stipends are available for those without institutional funding to attend, details of which are set out below.
Accommodation options
A limited number of rooms are available at the five star Castletroy Park Hotel which is adjacent to the University for a special rate of €114 B+B (single occupancy) or €124 B+B (double occupancy) per room per night. A reservation code will be provided upon registration for delegates to book accommodation directly.
On campus accommodation is also available at the Fáilte Ireland accredited Cappavilla Village en suite accommodation. Private bedrooms in stylish 4-6 bedroom apartments with shared comfortable living areas and fully fitted kitchen. Breakfast available at nearby restaurant, with conference availability from 27th May to 30th May. The nightly rate is €87.50 B+B per person per night, available to book here.
Further accommodation options will be provided upon registration.
Optional sightseeing tour
Following the conference on Saturday 30th May, delegates can partake in an optional sight-seeing tour of the UNESCO Global Geopark, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark to include a visit to Kilnaboy, the Poulnabron Dolmen, and the Cliffs of Moher.
This tour is exclusively for conference delegates and will be led by a local tour guide who will enthrall participants with the history and folklore of the region.
Conference scholarships
Higher Education Authority (HEA) of Ireland Conference Scholarships for Underrepresented Early Career Researchers
There are six scholarships available through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) of Ireland Conference Scholarships for Underrepresented Early Career Researchers.
These scholarships are to support the attendance at the conference by early career researchers (including doctoral and postdoctoral students) from groups which are underrepresented in the academy.
If you would like to apply for a HEA Conference Scholarship, please email ecsh@ul.ie with the subject title, “Conference Scholarship”, and include your conference title and abstract, a 500 word statement on how attending the conference would support your career ambitions, and a copy of your CV.
The conference scholarship will cover the costs of attending the conference of up to €750 and registration fees are waived.
Conference stipends
There may be a number of further conference stipends available by way of registration fee waivers. If you would like to apply, please email ecsh@ul.ie with the subject title, "Conference Stipend" and include a 500 word statement on how attending the conference will support your work.
