Bulgarian Government Adopts Actionplan for Protection against Discrimination

Policy Response DateJanuary 18, 2007 Country: Bulgaria Address: Sofia, Bulgaria General Type: Discrimination Racism and discrimination phenomena: Anti-migrant/xenophobia, Anti-semitism, Islamophobia, Anti-roma/zinghanophobia, Religious intolerance
Groups affected / Interested in: Migrants, Refugees, Ethnic minorities Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Integration - social cohesion

On 18.01.2007 the government adopted a National Action Plan for Protection against Discrimination – 2007. It reviews the involvement of Bulgarian governmental institutions and non-governmental organisations in the fight against discrimination. Its main objective is to establish the grounds for effective policy of equal treatment and equality in Bulgaria as a new EU member state and part of a multicultural community. The plan defines three specific objectives: raising awareness on discrimination and motivation for such behaviour; strengthening anti-discrimination capacity; consolidating public perception on the importance of countering discrimination and measures undertaken to protect vulnerable groups and individuals. The action plan contains a detailed set of measures divided under six priorities: training for the responsible institutions and the protected persons; development of anti-discrimination legislation and its successful implementation by the judicial and law enforcement institutions; media coverage; information and educational campaign as well as debates on anti-discrimination and equality; national data base aimed at developing adequate anti-discrimination policies and practices; and monitoring the trends and developments in discrimination and equal opportunities.

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