In spite of all the progress society has been able to register to date to overcome discrimination in its midst, it would appear there is still more to be done to generate enough awareness, prompt action and secure cooperation to fully succeed in combating all forms of discrimination and possible threats to human dignity.
An indication of the stage we have reached to date emerged in a research carried out by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality in one of its EU co-financed projects, Strengthening Equality Beyond Legislation.
The survey targeted people who said they were discriminated over the past two years on grounds of race, religious belief, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender or a combination of different reasons.
It turned out only 10 per cent of respondents had filed an official report and victims of discrimination on racial or religious grounds were the least likely to do so. It was also realised most people do not report such incidents due to lack of knowledge about where to report, embarrassment or fear of further persecution, lack of confidence in the authorities or because they would feel powerless.
The project itself sought to address these issues. Yet, the challenge continues. Indeed, it would be most welcome if the initiative would lead to the adoption of more preventive measures.
The project also reviewed the national minimum curriculum from an equality perspective. It analysed the content being taught in schools with the aim of ensuring the curriculum is not only inclusive but also promotes inclusiveness as a vital part of the development of a society in which all groups are considered to be equal and are, hence, treated with respect and dignity.
This should be followed up with all that is necessary to see the educational network fully geared towards teaching and forming the younger generations on how to live together and recognise that any form of prejudice and discrimination hurts the common dignity of every person and the development of a truly just and welcoming society.
Other feathers in the cap of the commission’s project were the compilation of a National Action Plan on Racism and Xenophobia, which included cross-organisational training with various entities in the field, awareness raising campaigns on the media, an equality in schools competition, preparing school children to help them widen the anti-discrimination message in schools and an inter-diversity seminar for youth.
Interconnection between various organisations and the support of the mass media for better education and awareness-raising on non-discrimination in various environments is surely essential. It would certainly be a wise step forward if a long-term national coordinated action plan is put in place that would include, for instance, measures aimed at further educating the public on the harmful consequences of discrimination. No energy should be spared to make use of all possible means to encourage full respect for the human dignity of each and every person. Acknowledging the dignity of every person irrespective of creed, colour, sex or orientation can only lead to more mutual respect and, hence, less discrimination.
The main tools need to include correct information and more awareness on why and how one must appreciate and respect every person at every stage of life and in every situation. The fundamental message must be that individuals come to maturity through receptive openness to others and through generous self-giving to them.