Seeking a suitable approach for collecting ethnically-sensitive data in the Czech Republic
The need to ensure the collection of ethnically-sensitive data specifically focusing on the Roma ethnic minority results both from the objectives of the Roma Integration Strategy to 2020 (adopted by Government Resolution No. 127 of 23 February 2015) and, in particular, from the Methodology for the Monitoring and Evaluation [of the above objectives] (approved by Government Resolution No. 941 of 24 October 2016). The current absence of representative, dependable and reasonably relevant data presents an obstacle both to the creation of modern social inclusion and anti-discrimination policies and the subsequent evaluation of the measures adopted and the fulfilment of the indicators set. At the same time, the collection of ethnically-sensitive data involves a number of ethical, legislative and methodological constraints which are currently being subjected to extensive expert discussion at the international level. The aim of the project is, therefore, to examine the potential for the collection of ethnically-sensitive data taking into account the ongoing international expert discussion, the domestic and EU legislative environment and human rights treaties. At the same time, it is also necessary to consider the purpose of the statistical analysis conducted on the basis of such data and the methodological assumptions thereof in the Czech Republic. The outputs of the project will include a legislative and methodological analysis and the assessment of comparable models from practice in selected countries and the potential for their transferability to the Czech environment. The results will be used in the creation of a methodological procedure for the establishment of a system for collecting ethnic data in the Czech Republic, with particular reference to the areas covered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, i.e. the labour market, housing and social welfare and healthcare services.