Source description last updated: 20 January 2020
 
In brief:
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (CoE-ECRI) is a body of the Council of Europe monitoring racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, intolerance and discrimination.
 
Coverage on ecoi.net:
Country reports and follow-up recommendations.
Covered weekly on ecoi.net for countries of priorities A-C.
 
Mission/Mandate/Objectives:
According to Article 1 of its statute, ECRI is “entrusted with the task of combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance in greater Europe from the perspective of the protection of human rights, in the light of the European Convention on Human Rights, its additional protocols and related case-law. It shall pursue the following objectives:
- to review member states’ legislation, policies and other measures to combat racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance, and their effectiveness;
- to propose further action at local, national and European level;
- to formulate general policy recommendations to member states;
- to study international legal instruments applicable in the matter with a view to their reinforcement where appropriate.” (Council of Europe – Committee of Ministers: Resolution Res(2002)8 on the statute of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, undated, Appendix, p. 2, Art. 1)
 
“ECRI should provide Council of Europe member states with concrete and practical advice on how to tackle problems of racism and intolerance in their country. To this end, it examines in each country the legal framework for combating racism and racial discrimination, its application, the existence of independent bodies to assist victims of racism and intolerance, the situation of ’vulnerable groups’ in specific areas (education, employment, housing, health, access to goods and services) and the tone of political and public debate around issues relevant for these groups.” (CoE-ECRI website: ECRI's Mandate, undated)
 
Funding:
Council of Europe funds.
 
Scope of reporting:
Geographic focus: Council of Europe member states
Thematic focus: Human rights and combating racism and intolerance
 
Methodology:
“In the framework of its country monitoring work, ECRI examines the situation concerning manifestations of racism and intolerance in each of the Council of Europe member states. ECRI’s findings, along with recommendations as to how each country might deal with the problems identified, are published in country reports. These reports are drawn up after a contact visit to the country in question and a confidential dialogue with the national authorities. The country monitoring deals with all member States on an equal footing and takes place in five-year cycles, covering nine/ten countries per year. ECRI's fifth monitoring cycle has begun during the first semester of 2013. It will last five years.” (Coe-ECR Website: Country Monitoring, undated)
 
“[…] ECRI’s country reports are published following their transmission to the national authorities, unless the latter expressly oppose such publication. These reports shall include appendices containing the viewpoints of the national authorities, where the latter deem it necessary.” (Council of Europe – Committee of Ministers: Resolution Res(2002)8 on the statute of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, February 2014, Appendix, p. 4, Art. 11)
 
Languages of publication:
English, French and national language of the country concerned.
 
 
All links accessed 6 December 2019.