The European Disability Forum welcomes the Commission’s proposals of directives on standards for equality bodies.
Equality bodies play an important role to support victims of discrimination, as well as to raise awareness and undertake research on discrimination. This is particularly true for discrimination based on disability. However, not all equality bodies are adequately equipped to combat discrimination and to support victims. Some persons with disabilities who are victims of discrimination may face more difficulties in receiving support from equality bodies depending on the scope of their mandate their resources, and their expertise on disability matters, as well as their level of accessibility and support for persons with disabilities.
Binding standards on equality bodies are necessary to ensure that the role of equality bodies is harmonised in the EU and that all victims of discrimination receive adequate support. Such harmonisation can also help strengthen the anti-discrimination legal system and focus on outcomes, while taking into account the diversity of equality bodies.
EDF strongly support the proposals of the Commission, and proposes amendments on:
- Clarifying the provisions on accessibility for persons with disabilities by referring to Directive (EU) 2019/882 – the European Accessibility Act, which includes a set of accessibility requirements applicable by the equality bodies (e.g. information, communication tools, built environment, websites and other mobile-based applications, etc.).
- Addressing multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination faced by persons with disabilities in line with article 5 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.