MEPs want national equality bodies – public institutions that protect, and provide assistance to those who experience discrimination – to be fully independent from external influence in performing their tasks, deciding on their objectives and actions, and in particular as regards their legal structure, accountability, budget, staffing, communication and organisation. Parliament’s draft position on the proposed law introducing new standards for equality bodies was adopted by the committees on Women’s Rights and Employment with 48 in favour, 8 against and 7 abstentions.

Sufficient resources needed to work effectively

A lack of adequate and stable human, material, technical and financial resources are, MEPs say, hampering the ability of equality bodies to work effectively. Therefore, member states should ensure that these bodies receive adequate funding, can hire the necessary amount of qualified staff, and have appropriate premises and infrastructure to carry out their tasks…