Description
The project implemented by ACCEPT on behalf of Anti-Discrimination Coalition has the purpose to increase the access to justice and effective redress mechanisms/remedies for persons exposed to discrimination. The main objectives of the Project refer to the strengthening the advocacy capacity of Anti-Discrimination coalition in order to increase access to justice and specific remedies for vulnerable people facing discrimination and the development and promotion of services, instruments and informative resources that could contribute to facilitate the access to justice for persons and groups that are vulnerable to discrimination. Target groups: at least 10 NGOs dealing with anti-discrimination in various fields, as well as around 600 persons who are potential victims of discrimination and who will benefit from the legal services provided. A Report on Monitoring and Evaluation of Access to Justice will be produced and shared with relevant stakeholders in the framework of the Project. Also the website antidiscriminare.ro (anti-discrimination.ro) will be revamped in order to obtain an interactive portal for victims of discrimination.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the lack of juridical consequences meant to discourage discrimination in Romania, as well as the lack of information of the general audience on existing remedies for discrimination situations. The project contributed to strengthening both the anti-discrimination legislative framework and the effective non-discrimination policies, and also helped increase access of the general public to existing anti-discrimination remedies, through the development of primary legal aid services, tools and resources. The activities have also contributed to strengthening the Anti-Discrimination Coalition and empowering member NGOs. Responding to the absence of a comprehensive analysis of the relevant legislative and institutional framework after more than 15 years following the adoption of anti-discrimination legislation in Romania, a Report on Access to Justice was drafted. Being the first report of this type, it intended to provide a pragmatic assessment of existing anti-discrimination mechanisms, their positive aspects and limitations. Six Strategic Court Cases were either appealed in national court or in European court on Human Rights (ECHR). They were intended to: create progressive jurisprudence advancing the theme of non-discrimination; encourage the reform of laws that do not fully comply with regional/international equality standards; or ensure that laws are interpreted and enforced properly. Some of the cases were older ones and were partially supported within the framework of the project for their strategic potential, while new cases were undertaken during the project implementation period. The project had one victory before the ECHR, condemning the lack of effective protection and redress for hate-crime victims, and also took two new cases to the ECHR and one before the Constitutional Court. The advocacy actions took by the promoter where mainly focused on the involvement in improving legislation and public policy through round tables, issuing policy papers and participating in consultative processes on the Multi-annual Strategy for preventing and combating discrimination.
Summary of bilateral results