Discrimination and racism are omnipresent and affect us all. This is what the State Commission Against Discrimination and Racism said in its first progress report. The committee, established by the Council of Ministers at the request of the House of Representatives last year, conducts research and makes recommendations to the Cabinet.
Article 1 of the Constitution states that discrimination based on religion, belief, political opinion, race and gender cannot be made. However, according to the Committee, discrimination exists in the Netherlands on each of the grounds specified in this article.
Based on previous and additional research, the committee concludes that this is due to “hierarchies” that are deeply embedded historically and structurally in society. The state commission talks about the images people have of each other, often through their upbringing and culture.
Industries and generations
Discrimination and racism were examined in the fields of labor market, education, social security, police, health, housing market, sports and culture. According to the report, discrimination and racism occur in all of these areas, and discrimination often extends from one area to another or from one life stage or generation to the next.
Committee chair Joyce Silvester says discrimination is increasing: “For example, where you were born is in a disadvantaged area, you get school recommendations that are worse than you can handle, you can’t find internships, and it’s harder to find a job. his first job “he has no fixed income and therefore has neither a house nor a mortgage.”
He advocates for the government to take a more structured approach. The state commission will soon launch a process with a “tool” that government organizations can use to control discrimination and racism.
Source: NOS
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
