Employment

In employment origin is often a reason for distinction. This does not only affect people with foreign nationaltities. Native Belgians, who are born, raised and educated in Belgium but who have a different ethnicity also have to deal with these inequities.This situation has been denied for years under the pretence that persons of foreign origin do not hold the required qualifications and competences. In the meantime however, the extent and persistency of this phenomenon has finally been established.

Discrimination at work is still prevalent but there are some positive signs. Many companies make a strong effort to expand the diversity amongst their personnel. By developing a diversity plan, a company (indirectly) impedes the possibilities of discrimination of certain target groups.

Besides managing individual complaints, the CEOOR reflects upon the logic behind discrimination and the so called process of integration. In this respect the goal is to identify discriminations and their source, to meet with the stakeholders and provide them with advice, to submit propositions to the authorities, to organize information seminars and to raise awareness.