Combating poverty and social exclusion through anti-discrimination seminar

The National Commission for People with a Disability (KNPD), in collaboration with the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE), recently organised a seminar entitled 'Fighting Poverty and Social Exclusion through Anti-Discrimination'.

This seminar is being held as part of KNPD's year-long project with the theme: 'Different Persons, Different Needs, One Society', which is being partly-funded by the European Commission's Progress Programme. The seminar also coincides with the Focus Week awareness-raising activities of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.

KNPD Chairman and European Year ambassador Joseph Camilleri said this is an opportunity for us all to tackle discrimination and its adverse effects from different angles. "We want to consider the various difficulties encountered by people from different minority groups, not just persons with disability, and also to focus not only on difference, but also what is common in the experiences of the people invited to speak at today's seminar. Furthermore, we want to examine how discrimination can cause poverty and social exclusion and the steps we need to take in order to address these crucial issues."

People experiencing poverty, social exclusion and discrimination are particularly vulnerable and need protection. A panel made up of five people shared their direct experiences regarding the different types of discrimination which they encounter in their everyday lives.

NCPE director Therese Bugeja defined the concepts of direct and indirect discrimination and gave some examples of the different forms it could manifest. "Many people are not fully aware of their rights and obligations in relation to equality and it is part of NCPE's work to raise awareness on this area through initiatives such as projects, training, research and seminars. It is expected that one of the results of this seminar will include a better understanding of how discrimination and multiple discrimination across all grounds can lead to social exclusion and poverty."

Hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities are condemned to a life below the poverty line in the EU.

The 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion aims to raise awareness about poverty and social exclusion, both among key players such as governments and social partners and among the public at large.

The seminar was also supported by the Directorate General for Employment, social affairs and equal opportunities of the European Commission.

For more information, visit www.stop-discrimination.info.