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Conference Announcement "Socio-economic Participation of Minorities in Relation to Their Right to (Respect for) Identity" 1st MRN Conference Minority Research Network (MRN) School of Law, Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands) 27-29 October 2010 __________________________________________________ The first MRN conference focuses on a theme that has not been explored yet, more particularly the socio-economic participation of minorities in relation to their right to (respect for) identity. Everybody is aware of the severe problems in terms of actual access to and enjoyment of (even very basic) social and economic rights by persons belonging to minorities. At the same time, there is ample awareness about hypes concerning prohibitions to wear the veil at school, and persons being fired because of unauthorized absences due to religious observances. Similarly, mismatches in linguistic proficiencies can also lead to flawed access to social services and public administration. When these problems are identified they are mostly seen as an interference with their right to identity. However, there is an equally important reduction in the enjoyment of socio-economic rights of the persons concerned, in terms of hindrance in de facto access to education (for religious and or linguistic reasons), access to employment (inflexible working schedules make it impossible for you to get a job because you are a devout believer), access to social services etc. This conference seeks to unravel the different aspects and dimensions of the way in which and the extent to which regulations that at first sight hinder (or promote) the right to identity of minorities, have repercussions for their de facto socio-economic participation. In line with the goals of MRN and as can be deduced from the program, this question is being discussed from the perspective of several disciplines. The Conference culminates in the inaugural lecture of Kristin Henrard as professor in Minority Protection at the EUR, which can be considered as the first step towards the establishment of an actual Minority Research Centre. Chairs: Ranabir Samaddar Patrick Thornberry Kristin Henrard Erica-Irene Daes Conference Website: http://www.frg.eur.nl/pub/sectie_staats_en_bestuursrecht/mrn_conference_27_28_29_october_2010/ __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org Intercultural Philosophy Calendar: http://cal.polylog.org __________________________________________________
