Implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin. Racial Equality Directive

The European Parliament adopted the resolution drafted by Kathalijne Maria BUITENWEG (Greens/ALE, Netherlands) amending the proposal for the equal treatment directive. The main amendments are as follows: -discrimination on the basis of racial or ethnic origin which is presented as a difference in treatment on the grounds of religion, conviction or nationality is covered by the scope of this directive. -behaviour consisting of incitement, instructions or pressure to discriminate shall fall within the definitions of direct and indirect discrimination irrespective of whether any specific victim of discrimination is identified. -the directive applies to conditions of access to voluntary work and public duties, health and safety conditions, housing, and the exercise by any public body, including police, immigration, criminal and civil justice authorities, of its functions. -public authorities and employers shall keep and monitor statistics on all aspects of the employment and training of persons covered by the directive, such information to be periodically submitted to the independent bodies set up by the directive. -Member States will set up penalties such as the payment of compensation to the victim. -Compliance with the directive may be taken into account when Member States award contracts and grants. In public procurement tenders, authorities may include demands that discriminate in favour of persons falling within the scope of the directive. -The Commission's report on the application of the directive will indicate measures adopted for the benefit of women of different racial or ethnic origin. -there are provisions for monitoring by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia.�