In this page:

• Why was the practice needed?
• How was it implemented?
• Outputs
• Key success factors
• Technical information
• Contacts

Why was the practice needed?

The Greek National Centre for Social Research set up the Observatory on Combating Discrimination (OCD) in response to shortcomings in collecting equality data. It was deemed insufficient overall as the data came from various sources using different definitions and categories. Creating the Observatory is an attempt to structurally improve the collection and use of equality data, with the ultimate aim of promoting non-discrimination policies and raising awareness on equality issues.

The OCD aims to:

• Develop, monitor and support the evaluation of public policies against discrimination
• Ensure the collection of comparable equality data
• Strengthen the exchange of information, experiences and good practice in Greece
• Promote the dissemination of relevant information on national and European non-discrimination policies
• Promote social dialogue with relevant stakeholders to combat discrimination

How was it implemented?

The National Centre for Social Research (EKKE) established the Observatory on Combating Discrimination in 2011, in the framework of a research project funded under the EU PROGRESS programme and implemented in cooperation with the Economic and Social Council (OKE), the Labour Institute of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (INE/GSEE) and the Local Authorities Network for Social, Cultural, Tourist, Environmental and Agricultural Development (EFXINI POLI).

The project led to a report on equality and non-discrimination in Greece. It covered the current situation, challenges and related policy interventions.

A dedicated chapter took stock of existing equality data sources, the grounds of discrimination and areas of life they cover, and their gaps and limitations for a thorough analysis of inequalities and discrimination.

Further development of the Observatory was based on the implementation of quantitative and qualitative research providing in-depth analysis of discrimination of specific groups in specific areas of life.

Research projects so far have focused on labour market discrimination; entrepreneurship of women and young Roma and Muslim immigrants; and multiple discrimination of racial or ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, older/younger people, religious minorities and LGBTI people.

The research involved cooperation with academic research institutions, government bodies and local authorities to maximise the practical impact of findings and their connection to policymaking processes. This also includes attempts to bring public authorities in contact with target groups of the project to facilitate exchange of ideas, raise awareness and identify good practice.

Furthermore, surveys conducted by the Observatory as part of the research benefit from cooperation with national agencies involved in combating discrimination to ensure that the data collected are relevant and fit-for-purpose. These agencies include the Ombudsman, the Greek Economic and Social Council, the National Confederation of Disabled People, the Greek Manpower Employment Organisation, and the Greek General Confederation of Labour.

The Observatory disseminates all research results through its webpage, media publications, analytical publications, policy briefs and conferences. The policy briefs, which were addressed to the relevant Greek authorities and the public have been included as specific topics in biannual newsletters (available in Greek only).

Outputs

Research outputs are published on the OCD website. Examples of OCD publications include:

• Balourdos and Mouriki (2011), Combating Discrimination in Greece: State of the Art, Challenges and Policy Interventions
• Balourdos, Chrysakis, Sarris, Tramountanis, Tsantila (2014), Vulnerable social groups and discrimination in the labour market
• Balourdos, Tisganou (2015), Combating Discrimination in the Field of Entrepreneurship
• Balourdos and Sarrris (2018), Tackling multiple discrimination in Greece

The OCD website also hosts links to websites of ministries, universities, and research bodies and European institutions that are partners of the Observatory’s projects and promote or engage in research on equality data.

Key success factors

• EU financing to establish and further develop the Observatory
• Stakeholder cooperation to ensure that the data collected are relevant and fit-for-purpose

Technical information

• Data sources covered: Household or individual surveys; Discrimination testing; Qualitative research.
• Areas of life covered: Employment; Health; Housing and living conditions; Access to good and services.
• Target audience: Public administrations, equality bodies and human rights institutions, trade unions, civil society organisations, academic experts, and media.
• Duration: 2011 – present
• Geographical scope: National and local
• Leading institution: The Greek National Centre for Social Research
• Other organisations involved/consulted: Greek Ombudsman, the Greek Economic and Social Council, the Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED), the National Confederation of Disabled People (NCDP), the Vocational Training Centre of the Labour Institute of the Greek General Confederation of Labour
• Financial & human resources: Budget: €400,000 for the period 2011-2018; Source of the budget: EU/National funding; Staff: 2 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) / year

Contacts

National Centre for Social Research (EKKE) / Εθνικο Κεντρο Κοινωνικων Ερευνων

Email: gpapadoudis (at) ekke (dot) gr