current ones equality rules EU call for the creation of national equality bodies in all EU Member States. These institutions have become necessary and valuable for the endorsement of the principle of non-discrimination against persons and the adoption of equality policies by public authorities and private organisations.
Many Member States have enabled equality bodies to play a leading role in discrimination complaints and become key centers of expertise and support. Despite many good practices, the landscape of equality bodies in the EU is characterized by a great diversity, which unfortunately includes insufficient independence and limited powers. This is because current legislation only includes minimum criteria for competence and independence, without setting standards.
This creates inequalities in the way victims are supported across the EU. Building a Union of equality means ensuring that people in all Member States enjoy a common minimum level of protection from discrimination with comparable rights of appeal.
Through a new legislative initiative adopted today by the European Commission, we want equality bodies to develop their full potential, contribute effectively to the implementation of EU equality rules, help victims of discrimination access justice, participate in prevention and promotion activities, and raise awareness about discrimination. the right to non-discrimination and the right to expand the knowledge and capacities of public and private institutions.
This is necessary because of the perception that it is common. discrimination based on racial origin or ethnic, sexual orientation, religion or convictions, disability anyone age high and 59% and 40% Failure to report discrimination remains a common problem and many incidents go undetected.
Discrimination has a cost for individuals, society and the economy.. Faced with labor shortages and skills gaps, we need to address long-standing challenges in labor market participation for women, people with disabilities, Roma and people with a migrant background. Ensuring equality in people’s daily lives is a great opportunity for inclusive and sustainable growth. Strengthening equality bodies is also part of the solution.
The legislation proposed by the European Commission on rules for equality bodies will improve the way these bodies work. Member States will have to ensure that the independence of equality bodies is maintained at all times, that they receive adequate funding and that they are empowered to effectively assist victims of discrimination.
The support of equality organizations for citizens who are victims of discrimination should be marked as a before and after. Services provided by equality organizations should be free and accessible to all victims on equal terms and without barriers.
Equality bodies will have to provide all complainants with information and a preliminary assessment of their situation. All can suggest specific possibilities in prosecuting cases of discrimination, from trying to reach an amicable settlement between the parties to further investigation, giving binding opinions or decisions, or seeking justice.
With our recommendations, equality bodies can play an important role in creating and sharing knowledge. Public institutions will be obliged to consult these institutions in a transparent and timely manner on equality-related issues and to take their advice into account.
These organizations can contribute to improving quality. data collection on equalityThis is crucial for monitoring and informed policy making. Its regular reports on the equal treatment and discrimination situation will help shed light on the challenges that need to be addressed.
If we do things right, equality bodies will not only be able to combat discrimination in the short term and in individual situations, but can also help Member States integrate the principle of equality and promote progress towards cohesive societies in the medium term. based on equality and inclusiveness.