(Equinet) Equality Today | Issue 327 | November 2023

Date of article: 28/11/2023

Daily News of: 28/11/2023

Country: EUROPE

Author: European network of equality bodies - EQUINET

Article language: en

Equality Today | Issue 37 | November 2023

Check in this issue:

#MembersNews
#ArtificialIntelligence
#Intersectionality
#Disability

#LGBTIQ+
#EqualityLaw
#Gender

Upcoming

Events

14 December 2023, 9:00-17:00 CET, Berlin
High-Level Conference “Addressing the Need for Common Standards for Equality Bodies”

Register now!

This high-level conference will gather Heads of Policy participants from Equality Bodies, Civil Society Organisations, government representatives, representatives from the European Commission, and other European, international and German institutions. You can find more information at the link above. In just two weeks, we look forward to seeing all of the participants there!

#MembersNews

The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Joins Equinet
Last 11 October, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights joined our network.
At the Annual General Meeting, Equinet members voted unanimously in favour of the Ukrainian Equality Body's membership. We can't wait to collaborate with the Commissioner and learn from their incredible work in protecting equality even during challenging times.
Learn more about the Commissioner’s work at the link above!

Spotlight on the Advocate of the Principe of Equality in Slovenia: Face Discrimination Project
"Face discrimination" is a EU co-funded project initiated by the Advocate of the Principle of Equality, the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television of the University of Ljubljana, the Association of Municipalities of Slovenia and the Prizma Foundation. The initiative blends education, art, and law to raise awareness about protection against discrimination among the general public, champion inclusivity, and train local civil servants to act upon detecting discriminatory practices. The Conference organised as part of the project presented various stories highlighting discrimination's pervasive nature.

#ArtificialIntelligence

Equinet and ENNHRI Call for Stronger Protection of Equality and Fundamental Rights in the EU AI Act
Equinet and ENNHRI's underscored critical concerns regarding the EU AI Act's commitment to equality and fundamental rights. Our joint statement emphasises urgent needs, including robust enforcement for high-impact AI models, fortified legal safeguards, and seamless cooperation between supervisory bodies. The statement also champions access to justice for victims of AI-driven discrimination, proposing mechanisms for redress and the prohibition of discriminatory practices. Our unified stance amplifies the necessity of stringent measures within the AI Act to safeguard equality and fundamental rights across European states. Find more on our website (link above).

Ahus, Exit Report: A Good Heart For Ethical AI
The Norwegian Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombud, in collaboration with the Norwegian Data Protection Authority and Ahus, carried out an analysis of an EKG AI algorithm predicting heart failure risks for patients. The examination specifically targeted potential biases within the algorithm, notably concerning gender and ethnicity. Findings highlighted potential risks of discrimination, prompting proactive measures to mitigate bias and foster EKG AI that is fair, transparent, and equal for all patients.

#Intersectionality

Resources: Workshop on “How Can Equality Bodies Support De-Institutionalization from a Multi-Ground Perspective?”
On 16 November, experts from Equality Bodies, particularly the Age and Disability Clusters, gathered in Brussels to learn and share insights on how Equality Bodies can champion de-institutionalization by collaborating with rights-holder organisations and adopting an intersectional approach. Our workshop addressed the imperative shift from institutional care to independent living, encompassing not only disabilities but also older individuals and other vulnerable groups. Over 1 million children and adults with disabilities, along with 2 million individuals aged 65+, live in institutions across Europe. Urgent action is crucial.

Resources: Intersectionality and Multiple Discrimination - Methods on Data Collection and Measurement, Challenges and Opportunities
In October, Equinet hosted a training session for Equality Bodies experts, focusing on intersectionality and data collection. The aim was to enhance their capacity to tackle multiple discrimination by sharing best practices and addressing challenges. The training aimed to equip staff with improved methods for collecting and analysing data through an intersectional lens, enabling more effective responses to various forms of discrimination.

UN Experts Issue Statement on LGBT Persons Living with Disabilities
Victor Madrigal-Borloz, Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and Gerard Quinn, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities issued a statement, shedding light on the discrimination and violence faced by individuals who identify as LGBT and have disabilities. They urged Member States to take concrete steps to combat this issue, outlining nine crucial recommendations. As the Universal Declaration on Human Rights marks its 75th anniversary, the experts implored nations to pledge tangible actions in law and policy to safeguard the rights of these individuals.

Intersections: The LGBTI II Survey – Homelessness
In the most recent release of the Intersections series, ILGA-Europe and FEANTSA have collaborated to bring attention to the hurdles encountered by the LGBTI community concerning homelessness. Drawing upon extensive data collected from the European Fundamental Rights Agency's (FRA) 2019 LGBTI Survey II, the report explores the frequently neglected convergence of sexual orientation, gender identity, and the experience of homelessness.

#Disability

European Parliament’s First Disability Rights Week
The European Parliament will hold the first Disability Rights Week from 27 November to 4 December 2023 to reaffirm its dedication to enabling all individuals with disabilities to lead independent lives and seamlessly integrate into society. The primary focus of this event is to assess current efforts aimed at safeguarding and empowering people with disabilities, contemplate the challenges that lie ahead, and lay the groundwork for future endeavors. Throughout the week, various committees will engage in crucial activities, including voting, debating, and hosting events specifically centered around disability policies. You can explore the program at the link above.

#LGBTIQ+

Survey on the Needs of LBTQI Girls, Women and Non-Binary Youth
IGLYO and EL*C are conducting a research focusing on the needs, challenges, and experiences of lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex (LBTQI) girls, young women, non-binary, and gender-diverse youth across Europe. This initiative aims to amplify the voices often unheard in the community, ensuring representation and understanding. If you're aged 15-30 and identify as LBTQI, join this 15-minute anonymous survey!

Online Seminar: Protecting the Rights of LGBTIQ+ Persons in the EU
On 11-12 December the Academy of European Law (ERA) is organising a webinar on safeguarding the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Europe. This interactive online seminar will delve into recent EU policies, case law, and litigation strategies while providing a comprehensive understanding of current rights frameworks. It is an excellent opportunity for legal experts to deepen their knowledge and contribute to ensuring equality and protection for all.

Report: 12 Recommendations to Combat Hate Crimes against LGBTI People in Europe

The Council of Europe's Committee on Anti-Discrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion (CDADI) released a report addressing hate crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Offering 12 crucial recommendations to Member States, the report focuses on enhancing law enforcement training, facilitating victim reporting, and bolstering existing legal frameworks. In addition to the report, CDAI published a document featuring promising practices.

Building Inclusive Democracies: A Guide to Strengthening the Participation of LGBTI+ Persons in Political and Electoral Processes
UNDP recently published a guide to foster LGBTI+ inclusion in the electoral cycle and broader political processes. By spotlighting diverse voices and strategies, especially from global Southern stakeholders—leaders, parties, civil society, legislators, and more—the publication delivers practical tools for all contexts, urging to accept sexual and gender diversity to foster stronger and more inclusive democracies.

Celebrating Legal Gender Recognition
Outright launched a campaign celebrating the strides made by trans people in 19 countries with self-determined legal gender recognition. This campaign includes information on the benefits of self-determined legal gender recognition, FAQs and a map highlighting how legal gender recognition is ruled in different countries. Outright's campaign aims to spotlight these disparities and advocate for equal rights for all, regardless of gender identity.

#EqualityLaw

Community Toolkit for a Change: Resources for Leveraging the Courts
In response to the pressing question of how communities fighting for justice can harness the full power of litigation, Systemic Justice has collaborated extensively with movements across Europe over the past year. Informed by the 2022 community consultation and a Europe-wide needs assessment, they launched their Community Toolkit for Change. This resource, prioritising accessibility and clarity, is the first in a series to empower communities in their fight against racial, social, and economic injustice.

#Gender

The Future of Gender Equality in the EU
Equinet invites you to participate in the EIGE survey focusing on the future of gender equality in the EU up to 2040. The primary goal of this survey is to gather insights that will contribute to EIGE's strategic foresight activities, helping to prepare both the EU and its Member States for and anticipate the potential impact of future developments on gender equality. The survey remains open until December 1, 2023. Answer the questions and share the survey with your network!