Discrimination and Equality
We work to ensure equal treatment and equal access to public services for everyone, regardless of their ethnic background or identity.
Together with the rest of the Open Society Foundations, we share a vision of society where everyone can expect fair treatment, regardless of who they are.
We work primarily in Europe, forming partnerships with local groups and communities, and also engaging with state institutions to address discriminatory policies and practices. We support and empower communities facing systemic discrimination to advance equality, including Europe’s historically excluded Roma communities. We pursue advocacy and legal interventions to secure meaningful equality in housing, education, and other public services. We are also active in efforts to eliminate racial discrimination in policing, and to combat restrictions on religious dress and other issues that are shaped by prejudice and stereotypes rather than reality.
Equality Betrayed: Speaking Out Against Ethnic Profiling by French Police
French police routinely target young men of African and Arab origin for identity checks and searches. A new report documents the human costs.
Restrictions on Muslim Women’s Dress in the 28 EU Member States
This report maps EU laws and pending legislation restricting religious dress—specifically the headscarf and face veil worn by Muslim women.
Inclusive Education Reform Presents a Litmus Test for the Czech Republic
A surge in the anti-establishment vote in October’s elections has left the long struggle to end segregation of Roma children in Czech schools on uncertain ground.
Cases
Zeshan Muhammad v. Spain
Ethnic profiling by law enforcement officers continues to be a persistent and pervasive practice throughout Spain, particularly in the context of immigration control.
Seydi and others v. France
Racial profiling by the police is pervasive in France.This case argues that the application of Article 78-2 of the French Criminal Procedure Code violated numerous fundamental rights and freedoms.
D.H. and Others v. Czech Republic
In 2007, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Roma children in the Czech Republic face systematic discrimination. But the Czech government has yet to take steps to remedy continuing school segregation.
Recent work
For a New Path Forward, Denmark Must Commit to Equality
Life in Denmark has become increasingly difficult for the thousands of Muslim citizens and immigrants in the country. Many new policies ostracize Muslims—and they are illegal.
Case Watch: European Court Finds Ethnic Profiling by the Police Discriminatory
For the first time, the European Court of Human Rights has used the consequential phrase “ethnic profiling” in a ruling concerning a police action it considered discriminatory.
When It Comes to Race, European Justice Is Not Blind
A new survey of 12 EU member countries shows that how people are treated by the police and the courts often depends on their race or ethnic background.
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