with years of experience from la fragua projects in this field, we have identified that a large proportion of racist and xenophobic discrimination goes unpunished because those affected are unaware of the available pathways, both judicial and administrative, through which they can exercise their rights. many of the materials and training initiatives that have attempted to address these forms of discrimination have been approached from an exclusively criminal law perspective linked to hate crimes.

however, there are several ways to seek redress for these violations in the labour, civil or administrative spheres that are largely unknown both to organisations and to individuals who experience racist and xenophobic discrimination. we highlight here the need to be aware of the tools provided by equal treatment and non-discrimination laws at both state and regional level, as well as the important role that organisations made up of, or working with, people affected by this serious discrimination can play in this field.

for these reasons, racial justice and empowerment publishes rje study-guides, which are made available as open-access materials on our website. these publications have an initial section, called the study, which reflects on the necessary anti-racist approach required to address the phenomenon of underreporting, shifting the focus away from victims and onto the barriers that prevent them from exercising their rights as citizens. the second part of the publications is a resource guide, written in clear and accessible language, which provides information on how to act and what steps to take to lodge complaints, file reports and pursue different forms of action when rights are violated with racist and/or xenophobic motivation.

in line with the objectives of the programme, we are also promoting the racial justice and empowerment network, made up of organisations, academics and activists, which serves as a space to share resources, promote joint campaigns and create collaborative synergies.

the ultimate objective of racial justice and empowerment is to defend the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination as a guarantee for the full enjoyment of all fundamental rights and public freedoms of migrants, refugees, rroma and racialised people.