European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)


Ethnic Data collection

ECRI is of the opinion that the collection of ethnic data is a beneficial instrument for shaping sound policies against racism and racial discrimination and for promoting equal opportunities. This data can provide baseline information on the situation of minority groups, which will then form the basis for social policies and later help in evaluating their progress. Collecting ethnic data helps to monitor discrimination and the implementation of anti-discrimination policies that have been put in place by governments. It also serves to assess whether these policies are effective, so that any necessary changes and adjustments may be made.

However, ECRI is also aware of the reluctance which surrounds the issue of ethnic data collection. This is why ECRI undertook a consultation process on the issue of ethnic data collection and commissioned a study on the existing legal and practical framework for ethnic data collection in Europe, which was prepared for ECRI by Mr Patrick Simon, researcher at the Institut National d'Etudes Démographiques (INED).

Study report

Seminar with national specialised bodies