Challenging Hate: A Human Rights Approach Conference
Thursday 28 – Friday 29 May 2026, Limerick, Ireland
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.
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.
Distinguished speakers will include Professor Barbara Perry, UNESCO Chair of Hate Studies; Marion Adam, Avocate générale référendaire, Cour de cassation and former 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.
Key dates
- Abstract submissions open: 31 October 2025
- Call for abstracts closes: 05 December 2025
- Notification of acceptable of abstracts: 15 December 2025
- Conference registration opens: 29 November 2025
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 €84.50 B+B per person per night, available to book at registration.
Further accommodation options will be provided upon registration.
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.
Find more information and book your place here: https://www.ul.ie/ecsh/cdadi-conference-2026
This event will be held at the University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.