Description
The project addresses the difficulties faced by the most vulnerable groups of the public (minorities, youth, the elderly, the Roma) due to the joint impact of the economic crisis, poverty and growing discrimination and intolerance. The project aims at improving the quality and efficiency of protection from discrimination by raising the victims’ awareness of their rights, providing professional legal aid and support to the vulnerable to defend their right to equal treatment. First, online awareness-raising campaign on tolerance, discrimination and hate speech will be carried out via the applicant’s website and Facebook account. Next, free legal counseling on 125 cases filed by vulnerable people and 15 strategic litigations will be carried out. Finally, online monitoring and combating hate speech will be carried out. The project will benefit not only the main target group of vulnerable people but also the general public by raising their awareness and sensitivity to discrimination.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the difficulties faced by the most vulnerable groups of the public (minorities, youth, the elderly, the Roma) due to the joint impact of the economic crisis, poverty and growing discrimination and intolerance. The implemented activities encouraged and supported victims of discrimination (or alleged victims of unequal treatment) by enabling them to claim, defend and stand for their right to equality. 54 legal counselling sessions were held; 24 victims of different discriminatory practices were legally represented; more than 100 alerts, claims and applications were prepared; 13 news websites were monitored to counteract hate speech online. The project raised the public awareness towards hate speech as the main means to present in a stereotypical way social groups based on a common denominator. The target groups were involved on the project via the court applications filed on their behalf and with the support of the project they were able to seek protection of their violated rights, taking a step they would not have considered on their own. Involvement in proceedings to ensure protection against discrimination is a great trial for the victims. Financial investment, patience and courage are needed. If it were not for the project, many of the users most probably would not have agreed to such trials seeking protection against discrimination.
Summary of bilateral results