Equal rights: Despite progress, discrimination remains a problem in EU
The EP today voted by a large majority to adopt a report on equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin. Following the vote, Green rapporteur Kathalijne Buitenweg said:
"Since 2004 discrimination is prohibited in Europe, both within and outside of the labour market. Equal treatment in education, social security and in renting houses is now mandatory. Although there is progress in most of the Member States, they still have to work harder to tackle discrimination in their own countries and transpose the European directive against discrimination into national laws.
"There is still much discrimination and racism in Europe, with incidences even increasing in some Member States in recent years. Unemployment among minority groups in many Member States is twice as high as for the rest of the working population and there is more racist violence.
"It is important that there is more than just legislation to reduce discrimination in Europe. Legislation is important but laws are not enforceable if people are not made aware of their existence. Europeans must be informed as regards how they can submit their complaint when they suffer from discrimination. The European agencies, which are established for this matter, have to operate better. For this reason the European Commission must act as soon as possible, to ensure that the Member States implement the European directive against discrimination."
Further information:
Chris Coakley
Press Officer
The Greens/EFA in the European Parliament
Tel: Brussels +32 2 2841667 / Strasbourg +33 3 88174375
Mobile: +32-485-241622
Fax: 0032 2 2844944
christopher.coakley@europarl.europa.eu
