Ahead of European Parliament elections in 2019, as well as continuous elections happening at local, regional and national level around Europe, Equinet has developed a Recommendation to be considered by political parties, candidates and media outlets (including social media) which focuses on the general principle of equality, prohibition of discrimination, tackling hate speech, addressing sensitive topics and promoting equal representation on electoral lists.

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Equinet invites experts to put forward their proposals for a study on the equality implications of artificial intelligence and the role of equality bodies in the public discourse on AI and algorithmic discrimination.
Deadline: 3 June 2019

Age discrimination is widespread in European societies and it can affect people at all stages of life, in employment as well as in other spheres. Equinet’s Deputy Director Tamás Kádár is attending the 10th session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing in New York from 15-18 April to share the experience of equality bodies in promoting equality for and fighting discrimination against older persons.

This Factsheet & Compendium of Promising Practices highlight the necessity to end ethnic profiling by law enforcement in Europe and the essential role of equality bodies in combatting this ineffective practice and promoting fair policing.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 26 APRIL 2019 (EOB)

The Equinet Secretariat, based in central Brussels, is opening a new 6 –months long internship position for an organisation management type of position with a project management inclination.

Diversity is Tasty!
Someone should do something - YOU are someone!
Everyone deserves love!
Hate is easy. Try harder!
One under the sun!
As champions of equality and defenders of the right to equal treatment, equality bodies are well positioned to tell such stories, based on common values such as respect, equality and justice, to inspire positive change.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals it encompasses reflect an important and ambitious global policy framework for human development. This agenda is to be pursued throughout the period up to 2030 by all national jurisdictions.

Equality and non-discrimination are deeply embedded within this policy framework and its pledge to leave no one behind. Its concern for people involves a determination to “ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment”. Its vision is rooted in “a world of universal respect for human rights and human dignity, the rule of law, justice, equality and non-discrimination".

Discrimination on the ground of age is widespread in European societies and it can affect people at all stages of life, in employment as well as in other spheres. This Equinet Discussion Paper looks at age discrimination from a legal point of view, identifying the trends and themes that have arisen linked to discrimination on the ground of age across Europe.

What are equality bodies? Why do we need them? What challenges do they face? This brochure aims to raise awareness about the role of and challenges faced by equality bodies at national and EU level, but also, on the way they can cooperate and bring added value to the work of stakeholders in their daily work.

The work of Equinet, European network of equality bodies is also outlined. The network promotes equality in Europe by supporting and enabling the work of equality bodies to be independent and effective catalysts for more equal societies.

A useful list of Equinet members and the grounds of discrimination covered per country is also available.

Updated: March 2019

Hate speech and hate crime are growing and damaging phenomena across Europe. This is recognised in the work of the European Commission and of the Council of Europe. European standards for equality bodies recommend that their mandate be extended to include hate speech. Few equality bodies have an explicit mandate on hate speech, many have, however, interpreted their mandate to include hate speech. This situation can leave them lacking the competences and resources required to make an impact.

The Equinet Perspective ’Extending the Agenda. Equality Bodies addressing Hate Speech’ was written by Niall Crowley, with the support of Equinet’s Policy Formation Working Group.