Presentation of the first National Action Plan for the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

As of 1 December 2025, the National Action Plan for the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (NAP AR) was presented by the Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, Max Hahn, the Minister of Labour, Georges Mischo, as well as the Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning and Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch. 

Following a debate on racism in the Chamber of Deputies and the adoption of a related motion, the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees (MFSVA) commissioned in 2020 a study from CEFIS and LISER to analyse the situation in Luxembourg. Published in 2022, the study "Racism and Ethno-racial Discrimination in Luxembourg" demonstrates that racism continues to be a reality in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The study further reveals that, not only do people of African descent most frequently report being subject to discrimination, but three main areas are particularly affected: education, employment and housing.

On the basis of these findings, the present action plan was drafted by the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, in collaboration with 12 ministries and in close consultation with civil society, human rights institutions and racialised persons. The plan is aligned with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and aims to implement it in a systemic and coordinated manner for the first time.

With a total of 23 objectives and 118 actions, the plan aims to address the fight against racism and all forms of racial discrimination in a coordinated, cross-sectoral way, thereby contributing to a more equitable and just society.

"Racism has no place in a multicultural country such as Luxembourg. With this plan, the Government reaffirms its determined commitment to building an inclusive society rooted in mutual respect, tolerance and solidarity as the foundation of our living together. Everyone must be able to find their place in Luxembourg, regardless of their origins," emphasised Minister Hahn.

Minister Claude Meisch stated: "Seeing children experience injustice at school simply because of their appearance, their name or their origin is deeply concerning. Schools must be able to respond to the needs of a highly diverse pupil population in order to offer all students fair chances of success. It is equally unacceptable that families are repeatedly refused housing for the same reasons. With this action plan, Luxembourg reaffirms its commitment to eliminating discrimination in everyday life and in mindsets, whether at school, in access to housing or in any other area of social life. Our ambition is clear. We want every child and every family to be able to live in Luxembourg with respect, dignity and real prospects for the future."

In this light, the action plan proposes concrete measures in the fields of employment, education and housing, as well as awareness-raising, data collection and support for victims.

Among the measures, by way of example:

• the implementation of a project establishing a single point of contact, offering guidance, a safe space for exchange between affected persons, and advice regarding victim support services and possibilities for legal recourse;
• the creation of a "I commit to combating racism" label for the private and public sectors, with strict criteria;
• the development of anti-racism trainings for professionals across various sectors;
• awareness-raising campaigns directed at the general public, conducted in close cooperation with racialised persons.

To guarantee effective implementation and rigorous follow-up of the various measures, the plan includes clear indicators as well as a timeline for each action. It also establishes a clear governance structure, comprising two separate bodies: an inter-ministerial steering group, bringing together contact points from all involved ministries; and a monitoring group including representatives from civil society organisations, human rights institutions and the Higher Council for Intercultural Living Together.

For full details, reference is made to the text of the action plan, available on the website of the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees.

Press release by the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning and the Ministry of Labour