On 30 December 2004 the French Parliament adopted a government bill creating the High Authority against Discriminations and for Equality.
On 2 June 2003, Mr Bernard STASI, who was then Mediator of the Republic (Ombudsman), was personally mandated by the Prime Minister to preside over a preparatory mission charged with the task of evaluating and proposing the potential mandate and institutional form of a specialised body to be created> in France to fight against all grounds of discrimination.
Altogether 140 hearings were undertaken between July 2003 and February 2004. These hearings allowed for the consultation of various actors of the public, NGO and labour sectors.
Mr STASI's report was submitted to the Prime Minister on 16 February 2004. On 15 July 2004, a government bill was introduced in the National Assembly. The bill was debated and finally adopted on 30 December in 2004.
The independent body, composed of 11 members nominated for a period of 5 years, will start its work in the 1st semester of 2005. Initially the authority will employ approximately 60 employees including 5 local delegations made up of 2 persons each. Besides conducting independent studies and advising the government, the equality authority will provide telephone assistance to victims of discrimination and investigate, mediate and make recommendations in relation to claims of alleged victims.
For more information on the "Haute Autorité de lutte contre les discriminations et pour l'egalité," please click here
( http://www.stop-discrimination.info/?RDCT=9f78104f96da7911c35f)
or visit www.le114.com
( http://www.stop-discrimination.info/?RDCT=0a23b7f92b79c44260de |
