THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LOCAL POLICIES AGAINST DISCRIMINATION WITH A PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE METHODOLOGY

ongoing

COMMIT to RIGHTS is a project for the creation of inclusive and participatory local public policies capable of preventing and tackling discriminatory processes with a focus on intersectionality. COMMIT to RIGHTS is led by a local administration, in this case the City Council of Girona (Spain) and has the support of local and international institutions and organisations for its implementation, such as the University, social organisations and two international partners in the city of Reggio Emilia (Italy). The project proposes devising a methodology and effective strategies for the implementation of participatory local public policies, capable of counteracting the phenomena of intersectional discrimination through participatory governance to be executable in both cities. Its ultimate objectives are to improve public authority responses to discrimination, racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, LGBTIQ-phobia, and all other forms of intolerance and to increase public awareness of these phenomena. The proposal is to intervene in the field of preventing discrimination and guaranteeing rights through an innovative model of public-community co-governance. Actions are planned in four main areas: firstly, research activities on models for the interpretation and intersectional analysis of discrimination that may be useful for the collection of information and knowledge of the phenomenon. Secondly, intervention methodologies are planned for services for (potential) victims: including support and sanctioning, in parallel to the implementation of restorative justice practices (mediation and reparation). Thirdly, a training-for-trainers programme will be deployed. And lastly, an initiative to raise awareness among members of the public will be set up, in order to create an effective system for the prevention of discrimination.