What is, and what should be, the role of legislation in efforts to combat discrimination? Will the current draft anti-discrimination directive help to reduce discrimination in the EU Member States, and how can we best combat multiple discrimination? These were just some of the questions discussed at the Equality Summit held on 16-17 November.
One of the themes discussed at the Equality Summit was the significance of anti-discrimination legislation in general, and the draft anti-discrimination directive in particular. The draft directive would expand protection against discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and covers areas outside of working life. The draft is currently being negotiated in the Council of the European Union. “To fail to adopt a directive would be indefensible from both an individual and a societal point of view,” said Minister for Integration and Gender Equality Nyamko Sabuni, who opened the conference by highlighting the socio-economic gains to be made from a society free from discrimination. “If we need more time, we will continue to support Spain in future work on the directive,” she said. Increase in discrimination in the wake of the financial crisis “The anti-discrimination directive is the most important move ahead,” said Myria Vassiliadou from European umbrella organisation Social Platform. She believes that the current financial crisis is opening the way to creating a society free from discrimination that is sustainable in the long term. Ms Vassiliadou also referred to the recent results of the European Commission’s Eurobarometer survey, which showed that the majority of EU citizens believe that the financial crisis will lead to an increase in discrimination in society, particularly on the grounds of age. DOWNLOAD THE FULL DOCUMENT: SE Presidency News Article Legislation important in efforts to combat discrimination 18 Nov 2009
