Equality

Equality, non-discrimination and racism

Equality is a core value of the EU. You have the right to fair treatment regardless of who you are, what you believe, or how you chose to live.

We carry out research and share expertise to help fight discrimination, inequality and racism in all its forms.

Highlights

Products
8
June
2022
This focus looks at the impact of the pandemic on social rights. It examines the measures in national recovery and resilience plans that address the social vulnerabilities among a variety of population groups in the EU, including women, children and young people in situations of vulnerability, people with disabilities, older people, Roma and people in precarious working conditions.
8
June
2022
All language versions now available
14 September 2022
The year 2021 brought both progress and setbacks in terms of fundamental rights protection. FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2022 reviews major developments in the field, identifying both achievements and remaining areas of concern. This publication presents FRA’s opinions on the main developments in the thematic areas covered, and a synopsis of the evidence supporting these opinions.
In this vlog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty talks about the importance of celebrating diversity in our societies. He calls on everyone to build bridges and listen to each other, so we can create a society where everyone is equal in dignity and in rights.
The Fundamental Rights Survey is the first survey to collect comprehensive and comparable data on people’s experiences and views of their rights in the EU-27. The survey included questions related to rights in a number of different areas, including crime victimisation and safety, data protection and privacy, functioning of the democracy, views on human rights and experiences with public services.
7
April
2022
Printed copies now available for order
13 April 2022
Children are full-fledged holders of rights. They are beneficiaries of all human and fundamental rights and subjects of special regulations, given their specific characteristics. This handbook aims to illustrate how European law and case law accommodate the specific interests and needs of children. It also considers the importance of parents and guardians or other legal representatives and makes reference, where appropriate, to situations in which rights and responsibilities are most prominently vested in children’s carers. It is a point of reference on both European Union (EU) and Council of Europe (CoE) law related to these subjects, explaining how each issue is regulated under EU law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as well as under the European Convention on Human Rights, the European Social Charter and other CoE instruments.
In this vlog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty highlights the need to work together to tackle hate and discrimination in our societies.
FRA’s 2019 survey on Roma and Travellers in Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom interviewed almost 4 700 Roma and Travellers, collecting information on more than 8 200 individuals living in their households.
If we are serious about protecting fundamental rights, we need to start listening to young people and what they have to tell us. This message came through very strongly at the Fundamental Rights Forum 2021. As we kick off the European Year of Youth 2022, let’s look at why listening to young people is key to protecting their rights.
In this vlog, FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty points to the urgent need to work towards a fairer society and asks us all, as we go forward, to work less for people in the struggle for equality, but much more with them.
6
December
2021
FRA Opinion 1/21 illustrates the extent and nature of lived experiences of inequality and discrimination across the EU. It does so with reference to the grounds of discrimination and areas of life covered by the racial and employment equality directives, as well as by the proposed Equal Treatment Directive. It was issued on 30 April 2021. This summary presents the main recommendations (‘Key findings and opinions’) outlined in FRA Opinion 1/21.
9
November
2021
Antisemitic incidents and hate crimes violate fundamental rights, especially the right to human dignity, the right to equality of treatment, and the freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This report provides an overview of available data on antisemitism as recorded by official and unofficial sources in the EU Member States as well as Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia. The data provided by the countries are supplemented with information from international organisations.
7
July
2021
Italian version now available
12 September 2022
This report examines why victims do not report bias-motivated incidents and the barriers that they face when reporting incidents through national crime reporting systems. By mapping existing practices that have a bearing on the victim’s experiences when reporting bias-motivated violence and harassment, it aims to provide evidence to support national efforts to encourage and facilitate reporting – and ultimately assist Member States in delivering on their duties with regard to combating hate crime.
On 23 February 2021, FRA’s Director, Michael O’Flaherty, listened to fundamental rights concerns and discussed ways to solve them. The second Fundamental Rights Dialogue invited young people to participate in shaping our societies, placing human rights centre stage.
Drawing on the ‘Encouraging hate crime reporting: the role of law enforcement and other authorities' report, in this infographic FRA outlines why reporting is so important and what must change to encourage hate crime reporting.
On 16 June, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights publishes the seventh of its bulletins on the fundamental rights impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In his vlog FRA Director draws attention to fundamental rights issues related to the roll out of the vaccines in the EU 27 Member States.
Periodic updates / Series
16
June
2021
This Coronavirus Bulletin focuses on equitable access to vaccines. It outlines the situation in the 27 EU Member States from 1 March to 30 April 2021. The bulletin looks at two main areas: planning and prioritisation in deploying Covid-19 vaccinations and their rollout in the countries. It covers information and communication campaigns, as well as (pre)registration channels for and the administration of vaccinations.
10
June
2021
The year 2020 brought both progress and setbacks in terms of fundamental rights protection. FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2021 reviews major developments in the field, identifying both achievements and remaining areas of concern. This publication presents FRA’s opinions on the main developments in the thematic areas covered, and a synopsis of the evidence supporting these opinions.
10
June
2021
FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2021 reviews major developments in the field in 2020, identifying both achievements and areas of concern. It also presents FRA’s opinions on these developments, including a synopsis of the evidence supporting these opinions. This year’s focus chapter explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fundamental rights. The remaining chapters cover: the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; equality and non-discrimination; racism, xenophobia and related intolerance; Roma equality and inclusion; asylum, borders and migration; information society, privacy and data protection; rights of the child; access to justice; and the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
10
June
2021
This focus looks at COVID-19’s impact on fundamental rights. It underscores that a human rights-based approach to tackling the pandemic requires balanced measures that are based on law, necessary, temporary and proportional. It also requires addressing the pandemic’s socio-economic impact, protecting the vulnerable and fighting racism.
There are many reasons for the police to stop someone. But prejudice should not be one of them. Find out what FRA is doing to end discriminatory police stops.
Today, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights launches the second LGBTI survey, mapping the experience of what it is to be LGBTI in the EU.
In 2019 the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) carried out the world’s biggest ever survey of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people’s life experiences. Almost 140,000 LGBTI people told us about their lives – in their own words.
Based on the lessons learned from relocation
experiences and on existing international and EU legal
standards, FRA has developed a number of practical
suggestions for the adjustment of relocation efforts to
the protection needs of unaccompanied children. This
guidance aims to be a practical tool for Member States
that wish to engage in the relocation of unaccompanied
children and in any future responsibility-sharing
mechanisms, and to gain knowledge on how this can
be done while respecting the child’s best interests.
Michael O'Flaherty talks in his vlog about the human rights aspects in the context of the Coronavirus epidemic and introduces FRA's new report.
In this edition of his vlog, Michael O'Flaherty talks about the human rights aspects in the context of the Corona virus epidemic.
In the latest edition of his video blog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty speaks about the publication of FRA's second LGBTI-survey on the 17th of March and how we can use the results to further battle discrimination.
Fundamental Rights Report 2019: Ten years after the UN’s Disability Convention entered into force, 2018 saw it continue
to drive advances in disability rights across the EU.
Fundamental Rights Report 2019: Not all children benefit equally from efforts to guarantee child rights.
Some groups face particular difficulties.
Fundamental Rights Report 2019: Anti-Gypsyism across the EU remains a persistent barrier to improving the social and
economic situation of Roma today.
Fundamental Rights Report 2019: Ethnic minorities and migrants continue to face harassment and discrimination across the EU,
despite longstanding EU laws against racism.
Fundamental Rights Report 2019: Efforts to advance equality moved ahead in some areas but remain stalled in others.
In the latest edition of his video blog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty talks about discrimination on the basis of age in the EU and calls for more respect for Human- and Fundamental Rights of older people.
In the light of the events in New Zealand, Michael O'Flaherty talks about discrimination and hate crime against Muslims in the EU and makes 4 proposals on how to make Muslims feel more safe.
Michael O'Flaherty focuses on the situation of the Jewish community living in the EU.
Black people in the EU face unacceptable difficulties in getting a decent job because of their skin colour. Racist harassment also remains all too common.
Black people in the EU face unacceptable difficulties in simply finding somewhere to live because of their skin colour.
The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) launches its second EU Minorities and Discrimination Survey (EU-MIDIS II).
This infographic illustrates the main experiences immigrants and ethnic minorities across the EU have when it comes to discrimination. It draws from the findings from FRA's EU-MIDIS II survey.
This infographic illustrates the main experiences immigrants and ethnic minorities across the EU have when it comes to victimisation. It draws from the findings from FRA's EU-MIDIS II survey.
In a high-level statement on 12 June, the FRA Director outlined key proposals on why the EU should adopt the EU’s draft Equal Treatment Directive.
FRA attended the Interservice Group on the Rights of the Child meeting on child protection on 9 June.
FRA delivered a keynote presentation on the employment and training situation of Roma at the closing conference of an EURoma multi-annual project.
Are you lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex or queer (LGBTIQ) living in Europe? We want to hear from you! The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) launches today its EU-wide survey to capture the experiences, views and concerns of LGBTIQ people. The findings will drive policies to further protect and promote LGBTIQ people’s rights.
People fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine can seek jobs in Europe. But not knowing the host country’s language and temporary job placements are just some of the practical barriers identified in a new paper from Eurofound and the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). The findings should guide policymakers in improving job opportunities that benefit both the people who fled and their host societies.
The impact of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, rising child poverty, widespread hate and protecting rights in the face of technological change are just some of the pressing human rights issues in FRA’s 2023 Fundamental Rights Report. With a focus section on the impact of the aggression within the EU, the report examines the support and solidarity provided by governments, local authorities and society. It suggests how EU countries can better ensure effective protection, especially for women who fled the conflict and need targeted support.
FRA was a speaker at a panel discussion on critical perspectives for equality data in combating discrimination.
On 11 May, FRA attended a European Commission workshop on fake news, disinformation and hate speech of the Community for European Research and Innovation for Security (CERIS).
We – The Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, and the diplomatic missions of Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, as well as the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), the Delegation of the European Union to the International Organisations, UN-GLOBE, and the Vienna School of International Studies – all welcome May 17th as the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), as a celebration of diversity and inclusion around the world.
On 3 May, FRA presented its ageing in digital societies project to AGE Platform Europe’s Task Force on Age-Friendly Environments.
FRA, together with the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), facilitated a workshop on hate crime recording and data collection.
FRA joined the conference on safeguarding older people’s legal and human rights through active citizenship and inter-generational approach on 24 April in Vienna.
FRA received a visit from Claudia Mahler, the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older people.
On 12 April, the FRA Director delivered a speech setting the scene for a high-level event on LGBTIQ Equality.
The online data explorer for the FRA Roma Survey 2021 in 10 European countries is now available.
FRA spoke during a debate on the Spanish Ministry of Equality’s proposal to add information on racial or ethnic origin in a nationwide survey.
A new EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) guide supports the collection of data on the rights of people with disabilities across the EU. It shows how to develop and improve indicators to assess the national implementation of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This is key to ensuring people with disabilities can fully enjoy their rights.
On 15 March, FRA met representatives from three organisations dealing with Roma rights across Europe.
FRA gave a presentation on promoting the collection and use of equality data based on racial or ethnic origin during a Eurostat conference.
FRA addressed the Council of the EU’s Fundamental Rights, Citizens Rights and Free Movement of Persons Working Group (FREMP) on 23 February.
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The Eurostat task force on the EU gender-based violence survey will meet virtually from 1 to 2 June.
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From 1 to 2 June, FRA will take part in a meeting of the Working Group on Equality and Values.
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The municipality of Vienna launches its third round of equality monitoring on 11 May.
FRA and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Vienna are co-organising a panel discussion on combating antisemitism.
FRA will take part in EIGE's gender statistics database expert meeting.
A delegation of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Equality and Non-Discrimination Committee, and member of the ‘No Hate Parliamentary Alliance’, will visit FRA on 8 May.
FRA’s Director will participate in the 18th European Union – African Union Human Rights Dialogue on 4 May in Brussels.
On 27 April, FRA will give an online lecture on the Agency’s work on child rights within the EU context.
FRA will participate in the European Parliament’s anti-racism and diversity week in Brussels.
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The European Commission’s Child Rights Coordinator is convening several meetings to move forward with the implementation of the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child.
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The Eurostat working group on crime and criminal justice statistics will hold its annual meeting.
On 13 March, FRA will welcome the former ambassador of Israel in the EU and Brussels and a delegation of students.
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From 8 to 9 February, FRA will take part virtually in a meeting of the Working Group on Equality and Values in Education and Training.
FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty will give a speech on liberal democracy at the European Parliament’s Article 17 dialogue seminar.
On 13 December, FRA will speak at a webinar on ‘Child-friendly justice: Do words matter’.
On 8 December, FRA will join the European crime prevention award conference in Prague.
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As the European Year of Youth 2022 comes to an end, FRA will attend the year’s final stakeholders and national coordinators meeting and closing conference.
On 6 December, FRA will speak at a round-table event on child-friendly justice and children as victims of crime at the European Parliament.
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FRA will attend the final conference of the CLEAR-RIGHTS project in Brussels from 1 to 2 December.
On 24 November, FRA will give a lecture to a delegation of the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna.