Social exclusion of ethnic minorities and migrants: lost in translation?

As the 1st Annual Convention of the ‘European Platform on Poverty and Social Inclusion’ kicks off today, the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) wants to see both the EU and national governments show more commitment to the social inclusion of ethnic and religious minorities. This is all the more important in an economic crisis since the most disadvantaged groups in society, including ethnic minorities and migrants, tend to suffer both economically and as scapegoats in populist discourses and also often bear the brunt of austerity measures. Ethnic minority groups are also more at risk of experiencing poverty and becoming socially excluded, because poverty and social exclusion are also caused by structural inequalities and discrimination - in particular in the fields of employment, education and housing. Unfortunately, this aspect is often missing from the ‘National Reform Programmes’, in which EU Member States report their progress in meeting the Europe 2020 Strategy targets. Despite the fact that the European Commission’s guidelines for the economic and employment policies of Member States speak explicitly about the need for more targeted policies for migrants, most of the Programmes make no reference to the inclusion of migrants or ethnic minorities in their reports. Governments do not seem to think that fighting discrimination and ensuring better inclusion of migrants and ethnic minorities can play a role in achieving inclusive and competitive labour markets.

Worse, some recent actions imply that the European Commission no longer seems willing to consider the fight against discrimination as a priority in achieving the 2020 Strategy’s objective of ‘smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’. Instead, it focuses on macro-economic reform, without taking into account the social consequences of such reforms. Without drastic and immediate policy changes, coming close to the poverty reduction target of lifting 20 million people out of poverty by 2020 will be impossible. ENAR President Chibo Onyeji said: “A new social vision of how best to advance the well-being of all in a diverse Europe must take account of the needs of communities vulnerable to racism and discrimination. Serious commitment and targeted policies to address the needs of ethnic minorities and migrants experiencing exclusion are no longer an option but a necessity.”