What should comprehensive strategies for inclusion cover and why are they needed? The new guidance document on strategies for inclusion, launched by the Council of Europe Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI) aims to help Council of Europe member states in responding to these questions, and in designing effective inclusion strategies at all levels.
Inclusion should be seen as a holistic, all-encompassing approach grounded on human rights and non-discrimination principles. Effective inclusion policies must integrate both universal and group-specific measures. Mainstreaming equality in all policies, embracing diversity as a value and a resource, addressing intersectional discrimination, creating opportunities for interaction and participation in public life, and involving all levels of government (national, regional and local) are essential approaches in designing inclusion policies.
Inclusion strategies are crucial for building more cohesive, just, innovative and resilient societies , a shared sense of belonging, and well-being for all. They help eliminate discrimination, reduce disparities, and foster mutual understanding and respect, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. They also reduce competition for attention and resources and increase efficiency and synergies.
Comprehensive inclusion strategies should cover the entire spectrum of societal groups, including ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious minorities, migrants, Roma and Travellers, LGBTI persons. The guidelines present standards for group-specific inclusion policies and identifies for each policy area crosscutting measures that comprehensively address the needs of a wide range of groups.
The main policy areas that should be covered by comprehensive inclusion strategies are education; employment; social welfare and housing; healthcare; culture; as well as such policy field as combatting discrimination, hate crime and hate speech.
Examples of concrete policy measures beneficial to all groups across various policy areas include ensuring non-discriminatory access to education, promoting intercultural and plurilingual curricula, and preventing segregation in schools. In employment, actions such as anti-discrimination training, recognition of foreign qualifications, and inclusive hiring practices are vital. Social welfare and housing policies should guarantee equal access to services, prevent homelessness, and promote mixed communities. In healthcare, providing culturally sensitive services, multilingual information, and mental health support ensures equitable access. Cultural policies that support minority representation and protect cultural rights further foster inclusion, while robust legal frameworks combat discrimination, hate speech, and hate crime, ensuring safety and dignity for all.
Finally, tools to monitor and measure progress, effectiveness and sustainability of inclusion policies in all the key areas should be developed.
