DisQo: anti-discrimination & health equity

Racism and discrimination are fundamental determinants of health

The organisations that are part of the DisQo network recognise racism and discrimination as Fundamental Determinants of Health. Despite the evidence for the impact of racism and discrimination on both mental and physical health inequities, the issue has so far gained little attention in the public health domain. The growing network, which has been initiated and is led by EPHA, consists of about 60 organisations (May 2023).

Through a series of webinars, DisQo explored some of the key priorities that the network identified as areas where action is required, including language and definitions, equality data, and the breaking down of silos.

In May 2023 DisQo handed a Joint Statement to DG SANTE with five key priorities for addressing the issue in a constructive, respectful, and participatory way. See the Joint Statement and presentation below.

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READ THE JOINT STATEMENT

Securing Stronger Action against Racism and Discrimination to Achieve Health Equity

Ahead of the 2024 EU Elections, DisQo calls for racism, discrimination (based on, among others, gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and migration status) and health to become a priority on the European Union’s political agenda. To reach that objective, DisQo is bringing forward 5 key priorities for addressing the issue in a constructive, respectful, and participatory way.

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The EU must scale up action at all levels of governance to ensure that racism and discrimination are explicitly recognised as fundamental determinants of health, equity, and well-being;

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To enhance the quality of dialogue and discourse to address racism and discrimination effectively, the EU must take a leading role in increasing the clarity and consistency of critical definitions;

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The EU should ensure to strengthen existing EU anti- discrimination legislation by breaking down silos and boosting policy mainstreaming, transparency, and social participation.

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The EU should support and enable social participation of racialised and discriminated communities and foster diversity, ensure representation, and combat discrimination across all levels;

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The EU should scale up action at all levels of governance to collect more and higher quality equality data, disaggregated by indicators on multiple grounds of discrimination;

ENDORSE THE STATEMENT

DOWNLOAD THE MANIFESTO