Awareness campaign “Microaggressions”

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Small remarks. Big impact. 

Words can hurt, even without bad intentions.

Ethno-racial discrimination can take many forms in everyday life: prejudice, stereotypes, microaggressions, unequal treatment or social exclusion. As shown by the CEFIS and LISER study « Le racisme et les discriminations ethno-raciales au Luxembourg », such experiences can have a significant impact on the well-being, mental health, self-esteem and sense of belonging of those affected.

Some comments may seem harmless or may be made without any ill intent. Yet they can hurt, exclude or reinforce stereotypes.

Through the campaign “Kleng Bemierkung. Grouss Wierkung. Wierder kënne blesséieren, och ouni schlecht Absicht”, the MFSVA aims to raise awareness of microaggressions, foster a better understanding of their impact, and encourage everyone to pay closer attention to the words we use and the way we behave in everyday life.

What is a microaggression?

Microaggressions are small and frequent everyday slights, such as comments, actions, or situations, that make people of colour feel unfairly treated because of their race. They can be intentional or unintentional, and the people who commit them may not even realise what they are doing when interacting with racialized persons.[i]

[i] Sue, D. W. (2010). Microaggressions in everyday life: Race, gender, and sexual orientation. John Wiley & Sons

National action plan against racism (PAN AR)

The National Action Plan for the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (PAN AR) was adopted by the Government Council on 28 November 2025.

The PAN AR is a multi-annual plan coordinated by the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees. It is grounded in the commitments of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as a member of the European Union, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, in the areas of equal treatment, non-discrimination and human rights.

The plan comprises 23 objectives and 118 actions covering six themes: data and statistics, awareness-raising, victim support, housing, employment and education.

Two governance bodies ensure the implementation of the actions described in the plan:

  • The Interministerial Steering Group (GroPil), which brings together contact points from all ministries involved;
  • The Monitoring Group (GroSuivi), which includes representatives of civil society organisations, human rights institutions and the Higher Council for Intercultural Living Together.

It is an open and evolving multi-annual plan, which can be adapted based on new needs, partner feedback, progress of measures or studies, in accordance with its governance framework. After five years, an external evaluation will be carried out.

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