Covenant structural investigation into discrimination in Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam, the anti-discrimination agency RADAR, and the Municipality of Rotterdam have agreed to the Rotterdam Inclusivity Project. This agreement ensures the continuation of structural research into patterns of discrimination, racism, and inequality in Rotterdam for the next four years.

Since 2021, the Rotterdam Inclusivity Project has been researching discrimination in the city, contributing valuable insights to improve municipal policies. In recent years, quantitative research has been conducted to study discrimination across Rotterdam and its neighbourhoods. This quantitative foundation enables the team to focus on qualitative research in the coming period, examining how different forms of discrimination manifest in the city.

The project's new website, currently under construction, will make research results and data publicly available. This site will serve as a resource for social workers, policymakers, and other interested parties to engage with the data themselves.

This agreement allows for a deeper understanding of discrimination patterns and the development of effective strategies to combat discrimination in Rotterdam. The long-term alliance allows the three parties to achieve their goals in synergy. For the municipality, it offers the possibility of creating evidence-based policies on anti-discrimination and inclusion. RADAR can contribute its expertise on discrimination experiences and advise the municipality, while Erasmus University can conduct research 'in the heart of the city' and share knowledge with the involved organisations.

The agreement was signed by Annemarie Willemsen, Head of the Social Cohesion Department at the Municipality of Rotterdam; Sjaak van der Linde, Executive Director of the anti-discrimination agency RADAR; and Professor Dr. Peter Scholten on behalf of Erasmus University Rotterdam.