Exercise #50
The right to equality and the fight against discrimination
Authors: Fedortsiv O., Burbela E., Dzhyvak V.
60 min
Description
Students analyse discrimination cases across medical, educational, labour and social spheres, apply equality principles in professional practice, and develop concrete strategies to overcome discrimination.
Methodological Guide
Objectives
1. Identify and analyse discrimination: recognise different forms of discrimination (racial, gender, ethnic, religious, social) and understand its impact on individuals and society.
2. Apply principles of equality in practice: apply equality principles in professional activities, particularly in healthcare, education and social services.
3. Develop strategies to combat discrimination: create and implement strategies that promote the elimination of discrimination and foster a culture of tolerance.
4. Evaluate anti-discrimination measures: assess their effectiveness and offer recommendations for improving the situation in a real-world context.
2. Apply principles of equality in practice: apply equality principles in professional activities, particularly in healthcare, education and social services.
3. Develop strategies to combat discrimination: create and implement strategies that promote the elimination of discrimination and foster a culture of tolerance.
4. Evaluate anti-discrimination measures: assess their effectiveness and offer recommendations for improving the situation in a real-world context.
Expected Outcomes
Students understand the basic principles of equality and discrimination, know their forms and impact on human rights. They can recognise discrimination in different areas, develop strategies to overcome it, and apply equality principles in real-life situations. Students develop cultural sensitivity, mutual respect and tolerance.
Exercise Procedure
1. The teacher explains the purpose: to understand the basics of human rights and combating discrimination, and to learn how to apply equality principles in real-life situations.
2. Students are divided into small subgroups of 3-4 people and each receives a case or situation related to discrimination.
3. Each student individually analyses the situation, identifying forms of discrimination and consequences for human rights.
4. Subgroups discuss their conclusions (up to 20 minutes), compare views, and formulate a general analysis.
5. Each group selects a spokesperson to present results for general discussion.
6. Students complete the individual workbook (the three written tasks below).
7. The teacher summarises main ideas, emphasising the importance of combating discrimination and ensuring equal rights.
2. Students are divided into small subgroups of 3-4 people and each receives a case or situation related to discrimination.
3. Each student individually analyses the situation, identifying forms of discrimination and consequences for human rights.
4. Subgroups discuss their conclusions (up to 20 minutes), compare views, and formulate a general analysis.
5. Each group selects a spokesperson to present results for general discussion.
6. Students complete the individual workbook (the three written tasks below).
7. The teacher summarises main ideas, emphasising the importance of combating discrimination and ensuring equal rights.
Mode of Implementation
Group activity (individual workbook completed during or after group discussion)
Role of the Teacher
The teacher acts as a facilitator, creating a supportive environment for open discussion and critical thinking. They explain basic concepts, moderate group discussions, provide feedback, and support students in developing action plans to address discrimination.
Theoretical Basis
The right to equality is one of the fundamental principles of human rights, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966). Discrimination is any prejudiced attitude towards a person or group based on certain characteristics (racial, gender, ethnic, religious, etc.) that limits their rights or opportunities. The fight against discrimination involves legislative measures, educational programmes, awareness raising, and activism by civil society organisations to ensure equal access to healthcare, education, work, and housing for all.
Practical Application
Combating discrimination and ensuring the right to equality creates a fair and inclusive society where every person has equal opportunities for development and the realisation of their rights. It ensures equal access to health, education and social services, increases economic opportunities, and promotes social cohesion and mutual respect. In the health sector, combating discrimination reduces social and health inequalities, improving the overall health of the population.
Knowledge Transfer
Knowledge transfer involves not only the theoretical mastery of human rights principles but also the practical application of these principles in real life. Students analyse real-life cases, develop critical thinking, and apply equality principles in their professional activities, learning to recognise discriminatory practices in healthcare, education and labour relations.
Reinforcement & Reflection
After completing the workbook, reflect on:
- How did you identify and become aware of your own biases during this exercise?
- How can I improve my ability to communicate effectively with people, taking into account cultural and social differences?
- What steps can I take to improve the situation of discrimination or inequality in my professional environment?
- How did you identify and become aware of your own biases during this exercise?
- How can I improve my ability to communicate effectively with people, taking into account cultural and social differences?
- What steps can I take to improve the situation of discrimination or inequality in my professional environment?
Required Resources
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948); International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966); International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966); Guide on Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights; Handbook on European non-discrimination law (2018 edition).
Assessment / Evaluation
The exercise is assessed on the basis of students’ active participation in group discussions, their ability to critically analyse situations, identify discrimination and apply the principles of equality. Students are assessed on how they recognise discrimination and how well-founded their conclusions and suggestions for overcoming these problems are.
Practical Tips
During discussions, listen to others’ opinions without judgement. Try to put yourself in other people’s shoes, especially on issues of discrimination or inequality. Pay attention not only to obvious discrimination but also to hidden forms such as micro-discrimination, unconscious biases and stereotypes. Get involved in social initiatives and volunteer programmes in the field of human rights and anti-discrimination to apply your knowledge in real situations.
Discussion Topics
1. Can different cultural contexts determine what constitutes discrimination and what constitutes acceptable practice? How can this be taken into account when working with people from different cultural backgrounds?
2. How can equal access to health, education or social services be ensured for all citizens, regardless of their cultural or social background?
3. What role, ideas and approaches should be included in educational programmes to combat discrimination and promote equality?
2. How can equal access to health, education or social services be ensured for all citizens, regardless of their cultural or social background?
3. What role, ideas and approaches should be included in educational programmes to combat discrimination and promote equality?
Further Resources
Guide on Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights and on Article 1 of Protocol No. 12 to the Convention: https://ks.echr.coe.int/documents/d/echr-ks/guide_art_14_art_1_protocol_12_eng
Handbook on European non-discrimination law – 2018 edition
Free Human Rights E‑Course
Handbook on European non-discrimination law – 2018 edition
Free Human Rights E‑Course
Additional Remarks
Case texts (discrimination scenarios) are distributed by the teacher and are not embedded in this digital exercise. Students complete the workbook tasks individually, drawing on the case they analysed and the group discussion.