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Positive action is both a tool and concept which has been developed for long time in the European and International Human Rights Law. However as a concept is often misinterpreted and as tool the practice shows that is not sufficiently used. The evidence is that still many people, including decision makers believe that positive action initiatives are aiming at promoting “reverse discrimination”, whereby activities were set up for the purpose of promoting and supporting some groups at the expense of others.
In addition to this the largest part of the Roma communities are not familiar with the existence of positive action as a tool to fight present and past discrimination. They need to know that positive action is an instrument which could break the cycle of disadvantage could reinforce their rights and promote respect for equal dignity.
The purpose of this guide book is to raise awareness among both communities, those wrongly understand the concept and consequences of positive action and Roma who are not aware that positive action could bring change into their lives.
A parallel objective of the guide book is to encourage Roma to advocate for positive action programs with their national and local authorities. Being more familiar with the concept of positive action they will be able to formulate their advocacy message and recommendations.
The guide book presents definitions of the terms most frequently used or linked to the concept of positive action. In addition it includes a list of legal provisions as well as programs and initiatives promoting positive action for Roma and other minorities in a number of EU Members States. The list of bibliography and links to resources on positive action provides a large amount of specialized information as well as can be used to introduce Roma activist to the thinking and the language of the principle and policies of equal treatment and anti-discrimination.
The European Roma Information office believes that this guidebook designed to reflect the current stage of inequality and disadvantage of Roma population in Europe will add value to existing positive action guidebooks. It offers knowledge on a tool without the use of which a compensation for past discrimination and redress disadvantage is not possible.
