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.

EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

Highlights

  • Report / Paper / Summary
    25
    October
    2024

    Being Muslim in the EU - Experiences of Muslims

    Racism towards Muslims is increasing in countries across the EU. Muslims face racial discrimination and racist harassment because of their religion, skin colour or ethnic background. This report shows a sharp rise since the last survey in 2016.
    Read press release
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    11
    July
    2024

    Jewish People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism

    Antisemitism is still a reality for many Jewish people in the EU today. Faced with prejudice and hostility, most feel unable to live openly Jewish lives. This report presents the results of FRA’s third EU survey of Jewish people’s experiences and perceptions of antisemitism. The survey took place before the Hamas attacks in October 2023 and the war in Gaza; however, it includes evidence from a consultation with national and European Jewish umbrella organisations since. It covers 13 EU Member States that together account for around 96 % of the EU’s Jewish population.
    Read press release
    Download country data
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    14
    May
    2024

    LGBTIQ at a crossroads: progress and challenges

    FRA’s third LGBTIQ survey shows that people still experience hate-motivated violence and discrimination. Trans and intersex people face even greater victimisation. Yet, signs of progress show that the EU’s and Member States’ efforts can positively affect people’s lives. More LGBTIQ people are open about their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics.
    Explore survey data
    Read press release
    Download country data
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    10
    April
    2024

    Addressing Racism in Policing

    Racism in the police can include discriminatory racial profiling practices through to excessive use of force. Incidents like these highlight deeper systemic issues that need addressing. Many in society are affected by racism in policing, not only the individuals or communities targeted. Lack of trust in policing can fuel social exclusion and damages the foundations of a fair and equal society, however promising practices are developing to address these issues. This is the first EU-wide report on racism in policing. FRA’s findings identify gaps in regulatory frameworks and propose concrete steps for action.
    Read press release
Táirgí
Video
Equality, non-discrimination and racism

Video blog by Michael O'Flaherty: international human rights day

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.
Opinion
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
6
December
2021

Equality in the EU 20 years on from the initial implementation of the equality directives - Summary

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.
Read news item
Report / Paper / Summary
Religion and belief
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Racial and ethnic origin
9
November
2021

Antisemitism: Overview of antisemitic incidents recorded in the European Union 2010-2020

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.
Read news item
SOS pillbox
Report / Paper / Summary
Hate crime
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
7
July
2021
Italian version now available
12 September 2022

Encouraging hate crime reporting - The role of law enforcement and other authorities

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.
View the infographic
Browse the compendium on hate crime practices
Read press release
Video
Support for human rights systems and defenders
Equality, non-discrimination and racism

Highlights video - Second Fundamental Rights Dialogue

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.
More information on the event
REPORTING HATE CRIME
Infographic
Hate crime
Equality, non-discrimination and racism

Hate crime reporting infographic

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.
Video
Equality, non-discrimination and racism

Video blog Michael O'Flaherty: Covid-19 vaccine rollout and equality of access in the EU

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.
Download report on vaccine rollout
Vials of covid vaccine
Periodic updates / Series
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
16
June
2021

Coronavirus pandemic in the EU - Fundamental Rights Implications: Vaccine rollout and equality of access in the EU - Bulletin 7

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.
Read news item
Download country research
Watch video on vaccine rollout
Fundamental Rights Report
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Asylum, migration and borders
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
Justice, victims’ rights and judicial cooperation
Support for human rights systems and defenders
10
June
2021

Tuarascáil um Chearta Bunúsacha – 2021 - Tuairimí ó FRA

Bhí idir dhul chun cinn agus dul ar gcúl le tabhairt faoi
deara i ndáil le cosaint na gceart bunúsach in 2020. Sa
Tuarascáil um Chearta Bunúsacha 2021 ó FRA, féachtar
siar ar na mórfhorbairtí sa réimse agus sainaithnítear
na héachtaí a bhí ann agus réimsí ar ábhair imní
iad go fóill.
Road to post covid
Fundamental Rights Report
Asylum, migration and borders
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Justice, victims’ rights and judicial cooperation
Support for human rights systems and defenders
10
June
2021

Fundamental Rights Report 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.
Read press release
Fundamental Rights Report
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Asylum, migration and borders
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
Justice, victims’ rights and judicial cooperation
10
June
2021

The coronavirus pandemic and fundamental rights: A year in review

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.
Read press release
Today I was stopped by the police.
Video
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Unlawful profiling

Stopping unlawful police profiling

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.
Download report on police stops
Download guide on preventing ethnic profiling
Diversity equality inclusion on notes
Opinion
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
30
April
2021

Equality in the EU 20 years on from the initial implementation of the equality directives

This opinion 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 in relation to the grounds and areas covered by the proposed Equal Treatment Directive.
Download the summary in English and French
Read news item
Video
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
People with disabilities

Protecting vulnerable adults across Europe

There are many reasons why adults may find themselves in a situation of vulnerability - because of their age, health or disability. Vulnerable people are at greater risk of unfair treatment, exploitation or abuse. And cross-border settings can lead to additional obstacles. It's time to address these challenges and identify the needs of vulnerable adults so everyone can enjoy their fundamental rights.
Report / Paper / Summary
Roma
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
30
March
2021

Roma and Travellers in six countries - Technical report

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.
Download Roma and Travellers report
Download country sheets
Video
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Religion and belief
Racial and ethnic origin

FRA Director at the 2021 Mayors Summit Against Anti-Semitism

This video statement by FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty was recorded for the online event '2021 Mayors Summit Against Anti-Semitism' which took place on 16 March 2021. The event was hosted by the city of Frankfurt am Main in partnership with the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement (CAM).
Visit the event website
Download survey findings
Page
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Data protection, privacy and new technologies

Fundamental rights implications of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on everyone. Governments take urgent measures to curb its spread to safeguard public health and provide medical care to those who need it. They are acting to defend the human rights of health and of life itself. Inevitably, these measures limit our human and fundamental rights to an extent rarely experienced in peacetime. It is important to ensure that such limitations are consistent with our legal safeguards and that their impact on particular groups is adequately taken account of.
Download Fundamental Rights Report focus on COVID-19
Download all COVID-19 bulletins
Video
Support for human rights systems and defenders
Equality, non-discrimination and racism

Highlights video - First Fundamental Rights Dialogue

On 13 November, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) hosted its first Fundamental Rights Dialogue - a virtual event that gave young people an opportunity to voice their fundamental rights concerns and discussed ways to solve them with FRA's Director Michael O'Flaherty.
More information on the event
Video
Equality, non-discrimination and racism

Union of Equality: achievements and challenges ahead

This video statement by FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty was recorded for the online event "Union of Equality: achievements and challenges ahead".
Country sheets
Roma
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
27
November
2020

Roma and Travellers in six countries - Country sheets

Roma and Travellers living in western EU countries are less often in the limelight than those living in central, eastern and southern EU countries. While they represent a smaller proportion of the population in the west, they also face problems with social exclusion, marginalisation and discrimination. These country sheets present findings from the survey conducted by FRA in 2019 covering Roma and Travellers populations in Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The survey included interviews with almost 4,700 Roma and Travellers, collecting information on more than 8,200 individuals living in their households.
Watch video on results for Belgium