CYIL vol. 10 (2019)

CYIL 10 ȍ2019Ȏ THE FIGHT AGAINST STEREOTYPES AS AN INSTRUMENT OF EUROPEAN … THE FIGHT AGAINST STEREOTYPES AS AN INSTRUMENT OF EUROPEAN ANTIDISCRIMINATION LAW Harald Christian Scheu Abstract : This paper deals with the problem of stereotyping from the perspective of European human rights and anti-discrimination law. In the light of European minority protection, a systematic and consistent approach to the issue of stereotypes and prejudices is lacking. However, current developments in jurisprudence and the activities of various monitoring bodies indicate the relevance of the fight against negative stereotypes and prejudices. In this paper, we briefly highlight the legal framework for combating stereotypes and analyze the application of the stereotype concept within the frame of relevant case law on anti-discrimination. We also point out conceptual and practical difficulties related to the legal fight against stereotypes. Resumé: V tomto příspěvku se zabýváme problematikou stereotypů z pohledu evropské ochrany lidských práv a antidiskriminačního práva. V rámci evropské ochrany menšin do- sud chybí systematický a důsledný přístup k problematice stereotypů a předsudků. Součas- ný vývoj lidskoprávní judikatury naznačuje potenciál boje proti negativním stereotypům a předsudkům. V tomto článku stručně vyzdvihujeme právní rámec pro boj proti stereoty- pům a analyzujeme uplatňování koncepce stereotypu v relevantní antidiskriminační judi- katuře. Upozorňujeme také na koncepční a praktické problémy související s právním bojem proti stereotypům. Key words : Human rights, prohibition of discrimination, stereotypes, European Court of Human Rights, EU Court of Justice. About the Author : Harald Christian Scheu , Doc., Mag. phil., Dr. iur., Ph.D., educated at the University of Salzburg (Dr. iur., 1995, Mag. phil., 1996) and the University of Prague (Ph.D., 1997, Doc., 2006). He has received numerous fellowships (Max-Planck-Institut für ausländisches öffentliches Recht und Völkerrecht in Heidelberg, University of Bern, European University Institute in Florence, University of Zürich, University of Vienna). He is a member of the Council of the Government of the Czech Republic for Human Rights (since 2013) and a member of the Czech Government’s Legislative Council (since 2014). From 1997 to 2006 he lectured at the Department of International Law and since 2006 at the Department of European Law of the Law Faculty of Charles University in Prague. From 2005 to 2006 he served as a diplomat at the Austrian Embassy in Prague. He teaches and conducts research in the fields of International and European Law and International Human Rights Law. Since 2015 he is a member of the Management Board of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. 1. Introduction Current anti-discrimination law is a very complex and dynamically evolving legal field which includes international conventions for the protection of human rights and vulnerable minorities, the EU founding treaties, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (CFR), a number of EU directives, and, last but not least, national constitutional and legal standards.

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