The use of ethnic data collection and positive action to combat discrimination and promote equality and social inclusion of the Roma minority in Europe

The study looks into the use of ethnic data collection and positive action in policy making aimed at combating discrimination against and promoting equality and social inclusion of the Roma minority in Europe. Before exploring this controversial human rights instrument and tool,1 we will provide background and context to the study, define the research questions and outline the research scope, objective, structure, approach and methodology in this chapter. Furthermore, we will consider the main concepts used throughout the study in the next chapter, namely equality and anti-discrimination, race and ethnicity, social inclusion, diversity and pluralism, minority rights protection, privacy, personal data protection and the right to education, housing, work and health