Promoting diversity : 21 bodies promoting diversity and combating discrimination in the European Union : executive summary

This report was commissioned by the European Commission in the framework of the Community action programme to combat discrimination (2001-06). The action programme is designed to support and supplement efforts at Community level and in the Member States to promote measures to prevent and combat discrimination taking account, among other things, of legislative developments. Council Directive 2000/43/EC implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin lays down a framework for combating discrimination. As part of this work, each Member State must establish one or more bodies with a remit to analyse the problems involved, study possible solutions and make recommendations, and provide concrete assistance for the victims of discrimination. The aim of the present study is to give an impetus to the work of the entities in the Member States charged with the creation of these bodies. The report consists of an analysis of the work of existing bodies working to promote equality and combat discrimination. The analysis and examples of the experiences of the various institutions are to be found in the remaining chapters of the report. It should be noted that the present conclusions are not to be considered exhaustive. Using the methodology selected, the findings are based on observations that relate to a limited number of institutions. They will therefore more often represent an example of good practice, a valuable experience or an interesting idea rather than a trend or common approach. The reader is advised to take this into account when reading the report.