Equality Bodies

The EU legislation requires Member States to establish a body or bodies for the promotion of equal treatment on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin and gender or sex. FRA cooperates with equality bodies with their coordinating structure Equinet (European Network of Equality Bodies) and through direct bilateral cooperation. Regular meetings are held between FRA and Equinet as well as with the Equinet members on a thematic basis. FRA is also regularly invited to contribute to Equinet training sessions and seminars.

For more information on equality bodies see:

National Human Rights Institutions

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are independent institutions established by law and in  compliance with the United Nations endorsed ‘Paris Principles’. NHRIs are mandated to protect and promote human rights at the national level in accordance with international human rights norms and standards. FRA cooperates with NHRIs with the European Network of NHRIs and through direct bilateral cooperation. Annual thematic meetings also take place between FRA and the NHRIs.

For more information on NHRIs see: the following:

• FRA report Handbook on the establishment and accreditation of National Human Rights Institutions in the European Union (October 2012)
• FRA report National Human Rights Institutions in the EU Member States (Strengthening the fundamental rights architecture in the EU I) (May 2010)
• International Coordinating Committee (ICC) of National Institutions for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

Ombudsperson institutions

Contact:

NHRBteam@fra.europa.eu