Expert Conference and Manual: Positive Measures as Strategies to Combat Structural Discrimination

In the framework of a project co-financed by the EU-Programme Progess, the AD-Team of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights (LBI-GMR) is dedicating its research to the topic of the implementation of positive measures in Austria. Focuses of the project are the organisation of an expert conference on the topic: positive measures as strategies to combat structural discrimination and the publication of a manual, which aims to comprise the findings of the conference in a manner that makes them applica-ble in practise.
The project is setting its starting point with the gaps in the practical implementation of the EU Anti-Discrimination Directives. It aims at involving all potential stakeholders, who could contribute to successfully combat discrimination and promote access to equal opportunities beyond the creation and implementation of a legal framework. Developing a common understanding of positive measures and their field of application by representatives of public institutions, local authorities, NGOs, enterprises and educational institutions in the framework of the expert conference can create a basis for a successful (further) development of already existing and of new models of positive measures. Networking as another aim of the conference shall offer possibilities to share experience and create a basis for an effective partnership of various stakeholders.
The main aim of the project is to create awareness for the importance and the relevance of positive measures as a complement to individual strategies to combat discrimination. A collection of models of Best Practise and the publication of guidelines as part of the manual will guarantee the backup and the distribution of the findings and factors of success elaborated during the conference and shall help in overcoming barriers in implementation in other organisations.