International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, Statement by FRA Director Morten Kjaerum [03-12-2008]
“Disability is a human rights issue. It is about ensuring that people with disabilities have the same rights as others, and the same possibilities to contribute to society and to the economy as everyone else. Ultimatley, this is about eqaul access to equal rights.” [ Read more]

FRA contributes to debate about the use of Passenger Name Record [03-12-2008]
FRA’s opinion on the Commission’s proposal for a Council framework decision on the use of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data for law enforcement purposes has been reflected in the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on 20th November. The resolution “concurs with FRA's opinion that profiling based on PNR data should only be intelligence-led, based on individual cases and factual parameters” and stresses the need for future involvement of the FRA in a periodic review and evaluation of any future legislation establishing an EU PNR scheme. FRA’s opinion had been presented following a request of the French Presidency, and it provided an overview of relevant fundamental rights issues. [ Read the resolution]
Download the opinion (PDF): [ en ]

FRA welcomes new EU Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia [01-12-2008]
FRA considers the adoption on 28th November 2008 of the Framework Decision to be a positive development in EU-wide condemnation of racist and xenophobic crime; one which acknowledges Europe's past and its current manifestations of racist and xenophobic crime. FRA Director Morten Kjaerum underlined: “I very much welcome this new piece of EU legislation, which sends a clear message that racist and xenophobic crime is not accepted in the EU.” Read more: [ en | fr ]

Diversity Day 2008 on 10 November
[07-11-2008]
Diversity Day 2008, an event organised by FRA in Vienna to promote diversity among young people in Europe, took place on Monday 10 November.
The event brought together almost 3,000 young people - between 12 and 18 years old - from Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Spain and the UK.

Interactive stands from around 40 NGOs and organisations invited the young people to experience and discuss the importance of fundamental rights and equality. Wheelchair parcours, computer simulations and games were among the activities presented at the event.

S'COOL AGENDA: 2009 edition available now
FRA presented at the Diversity Day the new edition of its S’cool Agenda. This agenda, available in English, German and French, is meant to help young people to learn about fundamental rights issues in Europe while keeping track of their own daily activities and homework. In order to achieve this, it offers a wide range of helpful tools, such as the “human rights temperature” test, a glossary, or tips on how to fight discrimination.

[ Read more and download the 2009 edition of the agenda ]

FRA Bulletin 06/2008 November available in English [28-11-2008]
(French version will be added soon)
The Bulletin provides up-to-date information about the Agency's work and relevant initiatives from the European Union, Member States, intergovernmental organisations and civil society.

Incident report on violent attacks against Roma in Italy [05-08-2008]
This report provides information on the impact of the recent events in the Ponticelli district of Naples on Roma, immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers in May-June 2008. The report brings together the basic facts on these violent attacks as well as background information regarding the situation of Roma in Italy. It also describes efforts to address the situation by the Italian Authorities and the International Community, in particular the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and Civil society organisations. [ Read more about the report ]

Building on the former “rapid response” mechanism instituted by the EUMC, the Incident Report is the result of a situation which requires further examination to assess whether fundamental rights have not been respected for whatever reason and to identify the relevant information that may result in future action by the Agency or EU institutions.

Homophobia and Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation in the EU Member States Part I – Legal Analysis [30-06-2008]
Equal protection by EU anti-discrimination law has not yet been achieved for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transsexuals (LGBT) living in many parts of the European Union (EU). FRA's new legal analysis covering the EU 27 identifies differences in treatment and protection by the law and a lack of full and equal enjoyment of rights in areas of EU competence - particularly with regard to same sex partnerships. As the European Union begins its debate on non-discrimination with the publication of a new Communication by the European Commission on 2 July, the FRA believes that the equal right to equal treatment should underpin the legislative direction. [ Read more ]

Who we are
FRA is an EU agency which provides assistance and expertise relating to fundamental rights, in line with Community law, to the EU and its Member States. The agency's principal tasks are:

• Collecting data and information;
• Improving the comparability and reliability of data;
• Undertaking research and analysis;
• Formulating conclusions and opinions for the EU institutions and Member States;
• Cooperating with civil society and raising awareness of fundamental rights.

Who do we work with
EU institutions, Governments, Civil Society, National Human Rights Institutions, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, the United Nations. [ Read more ]

Who do we work for
The EU, its citizens and those covered by its fundamental rights legislation.

What do we want to achieve
Greater awareness and action to promote and protect fundamental rights within the EU.

Find out more about FRA in:

• About us
• Factsheet about FRA [ de - en - fr ]
• FAQs: [ de - en - fr ] (updated in June 2008)

You have been discriminated against - can FRA help you?
Harassment, discrimination and victimisation must not be ignored. This requires that people know their rights. FRA will make people more aware of their fundamental rights. 

FRA is not empowered to deal itself with individual complaints, but it can refer people to organisations in each Member State where individuals can go for help, advice and also support in legal matters such as:

• The "National Equality Bodies" for the promotion of equal treatment, designated in all EU Member States according to the EU Racial Equality Directive in order to provide independent assistance to the victims of discrimination, conduct surveys and studies, and publish independent reports and recommendations;
• The National Human Rights Institutions which are available in many European countries in order to deal more widely with human rights issues and often also with individual cases .

Additionally, the European Commission created a "Guide for victims of discrimination" summarising new Europe-wide legislation banning discrimination. This guide provides also practical advice about what citizens can do if you believe that you have suffered from discrimination, harassment or victimisation.