| Series Title | European Voice |
|---|---|
| Series Details | Vol.9, No.25, 3.7.03, p4 |
| Publication Date | 03/07/2003 |
| Content Type | News |
|
Date: 03/07/03 EQUALITY campaigners have voiced dismay that most EU governments are failing to comply with a landmark anti-racism law which they are obliged to place on national statute books this month. So far just France and Belgium have notified the European Commission of steps taken to transpose into their countries' law the 2000 EU directive "on equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin". This is despite a requirement that the directive be introduced in national laws by 19 June this year. The directive requires governments to lay down sanctions against racism and to ensure those who feel victimized have legal and administrative redress. But a new analysis by the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) says Greece, Luxembourg and Portugal have not undertaken any step yet to start the legislative transposition period. The remaining EU countries, it says, have failed to honour another obligation in the directive to consult non-governmental organizations (NGOs) about the implementing legislation. ENAR's Policy Manager Sophie De Jonckheere said: "Draft laws are often constructed and discussed behind closed doors, which makes it difficult for NGOs to keep track of what is done before the end result is there. This raises some scepticism from our part as to the quality of such legislation." The network is organizing a hearing in the European Parliament next Tuesday (8 July) to "name and shame" those states it considers wanting in terms of anti-racism measures. An analysis by the European Network Against Racism has found that most EU governments have failed to transpose into national law the 2000 EU Directive on equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin by the deadline of 19 June 2003. |
|
| Related Links |
|
| Subject Categories | Values and Beliefs |
