Anti-racism Commission launches updated standards for European equality bodies

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe has recently launched revised standards (General Policy Recommendation No.2) for the establishment and functioning of European equality bodies.

These bodies should be established by constitutional or parliamentary legislation, be set up as a separate legal entity and work without interference from the State or political parties. They should have two key functions: (i) to promote equality and prevent discrimination, in particular by conducting inquiries, pursuing research, raising awareness, supporting good practice, making recommendations and contributing to legislation and policy formation; and (ii) to support people exposed to discrimination and pursue litigation on their behalf. Equality bodies can have the additional function to decide on complaints of discrimination by legally binding decisions that impose sanctions, or by making non-binding recommendations.

Learn more about the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)