Concept
The Canton (state) of Neuchâtel approved a “Roadmap for an Administration that is Open to Diversity, Egalitarian, and Non-Discriminatory” in May 2018.
The roadmap sets out actions along three axes to value diversity and promote equality, addressing: the state as an exemplar in matters of equality and non-discrimination; the state as a service provider; and the state as employer. It seeks to achieve systemic change and sustain a pro-equality culture across all departments.
The roadmap is a flexible instrument that can be adapted to the realities of different departments. It emphasises that valuing diversity is not only achieved by the absence of discrimination but also requires proactive measures. It is based on quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis.
It is explicitly concerned with both individual level discrimination and systemic discrimination. It takes a multi-ground approach encompassing: gender, nationality, cultural or ethnic affiliation, socio-economic status, language, age, or disability.
Foundation
This roadmap is rooted in the federal Constitution and the Constitution of Neuchâtel, federal equal treatment legislation, the Neuchâtel Law on Integration and Multicultural Cohesion, and the Cantonal Integration Programme, which include prevention of discrimination as one of their eight areas.
Progress
The state as exemplar involves objectives to: clearly communicate commitment; apply the principle of equal rights in all actions; and inform society of diversity advantage.
The state as service provider involves objectives to: develop tools to support the management of diversity; ensure services are accessible to all service-users; and support staff awareness and understanding of diversity and non-discrimination.
The state as employer involves objectives to: increase visibility of under-represented groups; ensure recruitment processes are non-discriminatory and accommodate diversity; secure staff awareness of the needs and contributions that flow from diversity, and of services that support those experiencing discrimination.
The roadmap addresses responsibilities for implementation and human and financial resources required. The Service for Multicultural Cohesion has a role to prevent and combat discrimination, provide staff training on diversity, and support diversity awareness initiatives. It makes a key contribution in driving the roadmap.
