Green MP Charel Marque had asked for more information on support and instruments available after November's "Being Black in Luxembourg" conference demonstrated there was still much work to be done to tackle racism in the country. The conference also revealed that the Grand Duchy lacked the necessary means to efficiently face xenophobia and racism.
Minister Corinne Cahen refuted these claims in her response, explaining that the CET (Centre for Equal Treatment) is not just designed to raise awareness, but also operates as an observatory. It also amasses information and documentation as part of its mission.
However, Cahen's response was limited and did not acknowledge two of Marque's points, merely summarising the CET's activities. Marque's queries revolved around the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance's suggestions to implement a system to record and monitor racist and homophobic or transphobic incidents, in a report dating back to 2017.
The ECRI's report also stated that the CET only disposes of the competence to provide victims of discrimination with counselling and guidance. The law does not confer either the right or the right to take legal action in order to assert the rights of victims of discrimination.
ECRI had also asked in its report that the powers of the CET be broadened in this context, but Cahen did not react to these remarks.
