The Equinet network, and in particular its work on standards for equality bodies, was presented to Member State representatives this week, at the European Commission’s High Level Group on Non-discrimination, Equality and Diversity.

Equinet was invited to the meeting of the European Commission’s High Level Group on Non-discrimination, Equality and Diversity, which took place on 24 October 2017. Tena Šimonović Einwalter, new Chair of Equinet and Deputy Ombudswoman of Croatia, accompanied by Executive Director Anne Gaspard and Head of Policy and Legal, Tamás Kádár, presented the Equinet Working Paper on Developing Standards for Equality Bodies to Member State representatives in attendance.

In the current context of rising inequalities and discrimination, equality bodies aim to provide essential support to individuals, guidance for institutions, and an authoritative voice within society to advance equality and challenge discrimination. However, in order for them to do so successfully, they need to be independent, well-resourced and effective institutions.