A public hearing, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), took place on 19 May in Brussels. The aim of this hearing was to look at equal treatment, equality bodies and other possible means of redress for Roma.
The EESC has set up a permanent study group on Roma inclusion which will be monitoring the implementation the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies from the point on view of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
Anti-gypsyism and discrimination are important barriers to Roma enjoying full rights and this hearing aimed to map possible avenues for redress for Roma, including equality bodies. The hearing allowed for the exchange of best practices on how Roma can address violations of their rights.
Katrine Steinfeld, Equinet Policy Officer, presented the work of equality bodies on tackling discrimination against Roma. She highlighted some findings from Equinet’s publications:
Making equality legislation work for Roma and Travellers (2010)
This publication showed that most equality body mandates cover discrimination against Roma and Travellers, and they often work on:
Fighting discrimination on the ground of race and ethnic origin (2016)
In the context of race discrimination, hate speech and hate crime, negative media coverage, negative political speech, negative public sentiment
Equinet’s participation in the Operational Platform for Roma Equality (OPRE) was also highlighted.