The Independent Authority for Equal Treatment

Its fitment in the European Union legislation against discrimination. Risks and opportunities of its implementation

Abstract

Directives against discrimination foresaw the setting up of equality bodies for the promotion of the principle of equal treatment and non-discrimination, to this end legislation gives them a series of functions that they must exercise independently. The different transposition carried out by member states has resulted in multiple models of equality bodies, both from the point of view of their organization and their mandate as well as their capacities and functions. This variety, and the growing importance given by the European authorities to this principle, has prompted increasing attention to them in the search for minimum standards that guarantee the effective exercise of their functions. This importance has been finally reflected in the recent proposals of directives regarding equality bodies. Spain, with the approval of the comprehensive Law for equal treatment and non-discrimination, should have started to work to put into operation the authority for equal treatment and the non-discrimination foreseen in the law