In its annual report for 2024, published today, the Council of Europe’s anti-racism body, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), has outlined tackling racial profiling by law enforcement officials, addressing the segregation of Roma children at school, ensuring equal rights and dignity for transgender and intersex persons, and strengthening national equality bodies as four key policy challenges for European states. Positive policy developments are also highlighted in the report.

Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, stressed the importance of the ECRI’s work for the organisation’s New Democratic Pact for Europe: “Racism, intolerance, and discrimination are contrary to the values upheld by the Council of Europe and pose challenges to democratic societies. Addressing these issues requires a renewed commitment from European states to developing and nurturing inclusive societies,” he said. “A New Democratic Pact for Europe envisions strengthening democracy across the continent by promoting unity, dialogue and democratic values. Advancing equality and ensuring dignity for all by addressing discrimination in all its forms is central to the mission of the Council of Europe.”

ECRI advocates for balanced narratives around migration, urging political and other public discourse to highlight the opportunities and resources migrants can contribute, especially during crises. The annual report also showcases ECRI’s active work on migration, integration, and the fight against discrimination, including:

• Factsheet on integration and inclusion of migrants
• ECRI published a comprehensive factsheet summarising its key recommendations made since 2012 on the integration and inclusion of migrants. Drawing on its fifth and sixth cycle country reports, the document highlights the importance of inclusive policies and balanced narratives that recognise the contributions of migrants, particularly during times of crisis. The factsheet also warns against discriminatory practices such as racial profiling, which disproportionately affect migrants, Black persons, Roma, Muslims, and other vulnerable groups.
• Factsheet on racism and intolerance in healthcare
  The ECRI Secretariat released a factsheet focusing on racism and intolerance in the health care sector. The publication calls for research, preventive measures, and accountability, while stressing the particular vulnerability of Roma (especially women and girls), migrants, Black persons, people of African descent, and LGBTI individuals in accessing their right to health without discrimination.
• Participation in CERD-CMW stakeholder meeting
  ECRI joined the first meeting of the European stakeholders’ working group on the CERD-CMW Joint General Comment/Recommendation, held under the auspices of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The meeting addressed state obligations to counter xenophobia and its impact on migrants, their families, and non-citizens.
• Final conference on safe reporting for undocumented migrants
  ECRI took part in the final conference of the EU-funded project “Safe reporting for victims of crime with irregular migration status”, organised by the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM) in Brussels. The event focused on improving access to justice for undocumented migrants who are victims of crime.
• Participation in European Action Day Against Islamophobia
  ECRI contributed to the European Action Day Against Islamophobia Conference, organised by the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) in Brussels. The conference addressed the need to counter anti-Muslim hatred and improve protection for Muslim communities, including migrants.
• UN consultation on xenophobia and migrant rights
  ECRI participated in a United Nations-led consultation on policy responses to xenophobia and its impact on migrants' rights. This event further reinforced ECRI’s commitment to international collaboration in combating racial discrimination and promoting equality.
• Ongoing cooperation with UNHCR
  ECRI maintains a strong working relationship with the UNHCR, particularly through its representation to the European Institutions in Strasbourg. UNHCR regularly contributes to ECRI’s country visits, round tables, and legal discussions, enriching ECRI’s work with insights on refugee protection and related human rights issues.