Asylum, Anti-Discrimination and Diversity

The right to non-discrimination is a fundamental human right. The legal and institutional framework as well as public discourse influence and reflect discriminatory structures.

Such structures infringe the human right to non-discrimination just like inadequate support of victims of discrimination. Migrants, members of ethnic or religious minorities, refugees and other marginalized groups have to be granted equal and secure access to justice which is an essential element in the enforcement of the individual’s right to non-discrimination. Anti-discrimination is understood as a cross-cutting issue, which should be taken into account when developing policies affecting different areas of life, in order to achieve equality and social inclusion for all.

The right to seek and enjoy asylum is of fundamental importance to persons who were affected by serious human rights violations in their countries of origin, or who fear persecution in the case of return. They require adequate protection in the reception state in order to be in a position to conduct a life in dignity. Even though today, approximately four-fifths of all persons affected by forced migration remain within their regions of origin (i.e. in developing countries), access to asylum in Europe is becoming more and more difficult: To begin with, EU external borders have become evermore “secure”, but there is a lack of adequate measures aiming at the identification of persons in need of protection. Further, despite harmonisation efforts diverging qualification criteria, reception conditions and asylum procedures of varying quality are in place. Apart from that, asylum seekers and refugees often face legal and factual barriers (including racism and discrimination) in the reception countries, making everyday life and participation in the reception society difficult.

Through the analysis of laws and jurisprudence, as well as collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data it is possible to demonstrate human rights violations in the areas of equal treatment, immigration, integration and asylum. Based on this analysis, we draft recommendations for achieving equal treatment, equal opportunities and access to justice for discriminated groups as well as effective access to asylum for refugees.

We seek to raise awareness through publications, manuals, lectures, and workshops. Networking and cooperation with scientists, NGO representatives, policy makers, representatives of social partnership as well as representatives of European and international organizations are significant to our work.