National Equality Bodies

National governments are required under EU anti-discrimination law (specifically the Racial Equality Directive) to designate or set up a body, or bodies, to help people suffering racial discrimination to pursue their complaints. In many countries however equality bodies also help people suffering from discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation and gender. The organisation and role of each body or bodies varies from country to country.

Equinet

Most of these bodies are part of Equinet, the European Network of Equality Bodies, which develops co-operation and facilitates the exchange of information and good practice between the national organisations. Equinet began as a two year project ‘Strengthening the co-operation between specialised bodies for the implementation of equal treatment legislation’ (2002-2004) which was funded by the European Commission.

Full list of Equinet members and observers

National Equality Bodies now exist in most EU Member States. These independent organisations work to help people who have suffered discrimination because of their race or ethnic origin, and often also on the grounds of religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation and gender. They advise people who have been discriminated against on their rights and how to make a complaint if necessary.

Equality Bodies also have the power to conduct independent surveys on discrimination and to publish reports on the subject, in order to help increase understanding of the problem and contribute to finding solutions.