Racial discrimination means any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.

This definition is taken from the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1965 and came into force in 196912.

In France, racial discrimination is prohibited by law. It can manifest itself in various areas of social life, such as employment, housing, education or access to public services. People perceived as being of non-European origin are particularly exposed to this type of discrimination.

It is important to note that racial discrimination can be direct (explicitly unfavorable treatment based on origin) or indirect (an apparently neutral practice which places people of a specific origin at a particular disadvantage).

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