"The difficult times we are going through have not improved the already worrying landscape of manifestations of racism, intolerance, discrimination and violence that we are experiencing in Europe," warned Harald Bergmann, spokesman for the Congress on Human Rights, at the 84th plenary meeting of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), which was held online on 2 December 2020.
"Our recent activities have focused particularly on the situation of LGBTI persons in Europe, which continues to deteriorate," stressed Mr Bergmann, recalling the adoption by the Congress of a first report on the subject in 2015. "Recently, Congress carried out a fact-finding mission to Poland on the situation of LGBTI people, following the request of members of the Polish Parliament on the fact that some cities and provinces are adopting family charters and resolutions against the so-called "LGBTI ideology", which is detrimental to their rights and equality," he added.
"We are preparing a new report, to be discussed at the next Congress session, on the responsibility of local authorities in guaranteeing the rights of LGBTI people in Europe," said Mr Bergmann. "We also invite the authorities to follow the examples of good practices and strategies compiled in the first volume of the Human Rights Handbook, published in 2018 on the right to non-discrimination, with regard to refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and internally displaced persons, Roma and Travellers and LGBTI people," recalled the spokesperson.
As part of its action plan to promote human rights, the Congress adopted the 2nd volume of the series of Human Rights Manuals for Local and Regional Authorities on social rights. The issues of social inclusion and integration, closely linked to the principle of non-discrimination, will be addressed with a focus on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"More than ever we need to continue cooperation, pool our resources and encourage local and regional authorities to become more involved in the fight against all forms of discrimination and hate speech against people," Mr Bergmann concluded by congratulating the Commission on its work.
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) is a unique human rights monitoring body specialising in issues relating to the fight against racism, discrimination (on grounds of "race", ethnic/national origin, colour, nationality, religion, language, sexual orientation, gender identity and sexual characteristics), xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance in Europe; it prepares reports and makes recommendations to member States.
