Townhall Discussion on Anti-Discrimination and Equality Law in Europe. Draft “Horizontal Directive”: Next Steps to Advance the Debate
Introduction
The twin principles of equality and non-discrimination are the bedrock of the UN human rights framework. Freedom from discrimination is the only right set out in all nine of the core human rights treaties. The problem of discrimination is a regular feature identified during human rights reviews of EU Member States.
Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union stipulates that the EU is founded upon the “values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights”. The period 2000-present has seen landmark developments in Europe’s fight against discrimination. European Union anti-discrimination law, however, continues to leave a number of gaps in areas protected by international human rights law. In particular, with the exception of racial or ethnic origin and sex, EU anti-discrimination law only extends to the area of employment.
A draft EU “Horizontal Directive”, pending since July 2008 would strengthen the ban on discrimination on grounds of disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation. If adopted, millions of Europeans would benefit from expanded protection against discrimination.
With the current European Commission and Parliament entering their final period, the UN Human Rights Regional Office for Europe (OHCHR ROE) and Equinet convened a public discussion on the state-of-play of EU anti-discrimination law, with particular attention to the draft EU Horizontal anti-discrimination directive. The discussion was intended to review reasons for the importance of the draft Directive, as well as to provide support for entities endeavoring to advance the debate.
Moderated Panel and Public Discussion
Welcome:
- Birgit Van Hout, Regional Representative, United Nations Human Rights Office (UN OHCHR)
- Anne Gaspard, Executive Director, Equinet – European Network of Equality Bodies
Speakers:
- Irena Moozova, Director, Equality and Union Citizenship, DG Justice and Consumers, European Commission
- Antonella Gatt, Employment and Social Policy Attache, Permanent Representation of Malta to the European Union
- Tamás Kádár, Head of Legal and Policy, Equinet – European Network of Equality Bodies
- Kirsi Pimiä, Non-Discrimination Ombud of Finland
- An-Sofie Leenknecht, Human Rights Coordinator, European Disability Forum
Conclusion:
- Tena Šimonović Einwalter, Equinet Chair and Deputy Ombudswoman, Office of the Ombudswoman, Croatia
Moderators:
- Claude Cahn, UN OHCHR
- Sarah Cooke O’Dowd, Equinet
Questions posed (in advance) to the audience
- What value does this directive have for the situation in your country and which added protection can it provide?
- In which ways can this directive make a difference to the situation of the more vulnerable in your society and advance the rights of those discriminated against?
- If and how do you think this directive contributes to the European values project
- Why is this horizontal directive an essential missing piece in the puzzle of striving for equality in Europe?
- What do you need to advance this issue in your work?