Discrimination is one of the most serious and pervasive human rights abuses in Europe today. Millions of people are still subjected to exclusion, poverty, ill-treatment, even violence, because of who they are, what they are presumed to be or what they believe. The equal treatment of all is not just a matter of good sense or common courtesy. It is a right – and all governments have an obligation to ensure that this fundamental principle is respected. 

Discrimination takes many forms. It ranges from insults and assault to the denial of basic goods, services and other rights. Victims of discrimination may be disadvantaged in the area of employment, or have restricted access to education, housing and adequate health care. Discriminated groups may also be denied their rights to participate in public life, associate freely, practise their religion or preserve their distinct cultural identities. Discrimination in the criminal justice system manifests itself in the denial of due process and the higher likelihood of certain groups being subjected to torture and other ill-treatment. All these types of discrimination can be found all across Europe.

There is no need to scratch the surface. Racist, chauvinist, homophobic, Islamophobic and anti-Semitic discourse is still common: in the street, in the media and in political debate. Attitudinal surveys throughout Europe consistently reveal high levels of prejudice and intolerance at all levels of society. Overt direct discrimination in national laws and practices is less common than it once was, but it is still found. Hidden, indirect discrimination, however, is of particular concern: apparently neutral laws and practices disproportionately affect and prejudice unfavoured sectors of society – both intentionally and through the unchecked perpetuation of entrenched discriminatory attitudes in public institutions. The persistence of widespread social prejudices continues to result in large-scale discrimination in the private sector as well; in employment, in access to housing, goods and services, through insults and through violence.

Whatever form it takes, discrimination is based on the denial or denigration of difference. It results from the failure to respect the inherent dignity and equal worth of all human beings. Human rights cannot be fulfilled, therefore, where their enjoyment is denied or limited on the basis of a person’s ethnic origin, skin colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or other status. This is reflected in the very first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.

Over the last 60 years, international anti-discrimination standards have evolved considerably. European countries have been at the forefront of this movement and the region has some of the most advanced anti-discrimination standards in the world.

Over the last two decades, the raising of the iron curtain, new technologies and greater mobility have brought its peoples and countries even closer together. The enjoyment of human rights has spread. Discrimination, however, has not been eliminated; difference is still met with denial and denigration. Far greater efforts are required to combat discrimination in Europe. Conspicuous gaps in national legislative frameworks need to be filled and existing legislation needs to be implemented much more effectively. Prejudice and intolerance in official structures and society more generally need to be addressed, while greater focus on the social inclusion of marginalized groups is urgently required.

Sixty years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted recognizing the principle that human rights are universal and indivisible – that all human rights should be enjoyed by all people. This is at the heart of Amnesty International’s mission. Fighting discrimination is too.