Part III Tasks and Objectives, s.1 Protecting and Promoting Human Rights, 26 Anti-discrimination Policy

Subject(s):

Right to non-discrimination — Democracy — Human rights remedies — Rule of law

This chapter outlines the legal and political instruments developed by the Council concerning anti-discrimination issues. It first discusses the legal instruments, most notably the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Social Charter (ESC), although some focus is also given to other forms of treaties. The chapter notes that the legal instruments reflect the rising awareness and importance of the fight against discrimination. Afterward, the chapter delves into the political instruments and institutions employed by the Council of Europe (CoE). It examines the development of an anti-discrimination policy at its organisational summits, before looking at the Gender Equality Commission (GEC), the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), and the Ad hoc Committee of Experts on Roma Issues (CAHROM). To conclude, the chapter offers some final insights on the CoE’s anti-discrimination policy.