Publication: Examining Racism and Discrimination in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A World Bank Quality of Life Study in MENA Countries
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2024-08-08
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2024-08-08
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Racism and discrimination remain critical barriers to social inclusion and equity with detrimental effects for individuals, societies, and economies. Persistent discrimination and exclusion of marginalized groups reduces innovation and opportunities for growth, impedes sustainable development, and exacerbates drivers of fragility and conflict. It affects individuals’ access to markets, services and spaces, hinders their full realization of rights, and reduces their wellbeing and quality of life. Strengthening the focus on people who have been excluded and building socially sustainable communities and societies requires more systematic and nuanced understanding of racial discrimination and intersecting factors of exclusion in different contexts. Context-specific assessments and tailored solutions are key to addressing racism and intersecting forms of discrimination in MENA countries. Racism takes different forms in different MENA countries, ranging from demeaning stereotypes and prejudices, discriminatory attitudes and behavior in everyday interpersonal interactions, exclusion, marginalization and impoverishment, to structural racism and discrimination enshrined in legal frameworks, institutions and policies. Racism also intersects with other forms of discrimination based on gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship status, class, or age which makes particular groups even more vulnerable. Building on the WBG’s commitments, the study underlines the importance of promoting inclusion and combating racial discrimination to improve the quality of life for all population groups. It specifically calls for targeted solutions for migrants and displaced persons, recognizing the high levels of racial discrimination against these groups in the region. Additionally, gender as an intersecting factor compounds effects of exclusion, illustrating the linkages between discrimination and violence among some populations and underlining the need for integrated approaches. Amplifying the voices of affected populations and fostering their meaningful participation in the design and implementation of programs and policies is a key recommendation of the report.
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“World Bank. 2024. Examining Racism and Discrimination in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A World Bank Quality of Life Study in MENA Countries. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/42028 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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