A Europe that protects: Commission calls for stronger national equality bodies to fight #Discrimination

The Commission is recommending a set of measures for member states to ensure that the equality bodies effectively protect citizens and fight discrimination. First Vice President Frans Timmermans said: “Equality is one of the fundamental values upon which the European Union is built, but it is not a given. We need good laws and strong and independent equality bodies to defend our core principles and values so that victims of discrimination can right the wrongs they face."

Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality Commissioner Věra Jourová added: "Discrimination has no place in the EU. Victims or witnesses of discrimination should know where to turn and equality bodies are there to help them in these situations. We must ensure that national equality bodies are independent, with sufficient resources to carry out their task. They play a key role in ensuring all citizens are given equal rights and equal opportunities."

Equality bodies are independent organizations assisting victims of discrimination, monitoring and reporting on discrimination issues, and promoting equality throughout the EU. Member states should ensure their independence and that they have the necessary resources to cover all types of grounds for discrimination such as sex, race, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. They should also ensure better awareness-raising about the role of national equality bodies and how citizens can access equality bodies and exercise their rights in case of discrimination.

A full press release is available here.

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