Fighting discrimination

One fundamental pillar of an open society is the principle of tolerance for differences and respect for the rights and freedoms of others. Nevertheless, even more than 20 years after the end of totalitarianism, these principles of a democratic society have not been fully realized in the Czech Republic. Various forms of discrimination against certain groups in society continue to exist, from discriminatory practices in minority groups' access to education all the way to an increase in hate crimes. Recent analyses and studies have found a greater affinity among some young people towards far-right movements whose activities include expressions of racism, xenophobia, and violence.

Open Society Fund Prague is a long-term supporter of NGO projects involved in fighting discrimination, xenophobia, and violence, that provide help for victims of discrimination, and that are engaged in changing majority society's views of minorities. OSF gives priority to projects that address hate-based violence and discriminatory access to education and housing.

 

Hate crimes

OSF provides support to organizations involved in monitoring hate crimes or working to prevent such crimes, and that provide aid, legal advice, and psychosocial support for victims of such crimes. The foundation is aware of the importance of the media and the way it reports on cases of extremism and xenophobia. For this reason, it recently supported an analysis of the image of right-wing extremism provided in the media in the period from 1. 7. 2008 – 31. 3. 2010. This analysis provides a clear and comprehensive picture of the way in which the media reports on hate crimes and extremist activities.

 

Discrimination in access to education and housing

OSF also works to improve access to housing and education for disadvantaged groups such as (depending on the circumstances) members of ethnic minorities, the disabled, socially excluded individuals, foreigners, children, seniors, and many others. OSF promotes inclusive education at Czech schools with the aim of putting an end to the segregation of Roma pupils in "special schools," thus implementing equal access to education for all children. OSF also promotes the creation of new concepts and strategies for including socially excluded or disadvantaged individuals into society.

 

Contact person:

Filip Rameš

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