20 March 2026
March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, is an opportunity to highlight that discrimination remains a very real issue, including in Luxembourg.
At the Luxembourg Red Cross, the REVEIL Project, led by the LISKO, develops awareness-raising and training activities aimed at preventing discrimination and promoting a more inclusive society. We asked three questions to Cécile Jérouville, Coordinator for training, awareness activities and the REVEIL project.
1 – What forms of discrimination do you observe most often in the field, and how does REVEIL respond to them?
Feedback from participants in our training sessions shows that racial discrimination most often occurs in access to housing, education – particularly school orientation – and employment. This confirms the results of the 2022 survey on racism in Luxembourg conducted by the Cefis and the LISER. Often, these are not openly hostile acts but rather micro-aggressions or cultural misunderstandings.
The REVEIL training sessions first aim to help participants recognize these situations. We create a space for dialogue on interculturality, racism and the challenges of living together. Through discussions, practical exercises and concrete tools, participants also learn how to respond to sensitive situations.
2 – In your opinion, what role can citizens play in everyday life to reduce discrimination?
Everyone can act as an ally. This can start by supporting the targeted person and clearly showing solidarity, for example by listening to victims without minimizing or questioning their experiences.
It is also important to challenge the author of discrimination and encourage them to reflect on their behaviour, and to guide victims towards support structures such as the Centre for Equal Treatment or NGOs working in the field. In the workplace, we can also encourage management and human resources to take these situations seriously and take action.
3 – What message would you like to share with people who experience discrimination but hesitate to speak out?
Many victims do not report racial discrimination because they are afraid, lack information, or believe it will not make a difference. However, it is important not to remain alone.
In our training sessions, we see that many people are willing to listen and support victims.
Le projet REVEIL est une initiative de quatre ans (2025-2028), soutenue par le Ministère de la Famille, des Solidarités, du Vivre ensemble et de l’Accueil, et cofinancée par le Fonds « Asile, Migration et Intégration » de l’Union européenne. Il est mis en œuvre par l’Organisation Internationale des Migrations (OIM) Belgique et Luxembourg, le service LISKO de la Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise et le Centre pour l’Education et le Dialogue Luxembourg (CED).
