Guide to International Human Rights Mechanisms - Brookings

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governments but serve in their individual capacities. ECRI visits Council of Europe member states
and prepares reports on the situation of racism and intolerance in each, prepares thematic reports,
issues general policy recommendations, and disseminates examples of “good practices” to combat
racism and intolerance. ECRI does not directly address individual complaints. However, it actively
seeks the participation and collaboration of NGOs in its work, including through organizing contact
networks and consultative workshops.
What you can Do You can provide ECRI with information concerning racism or intolerance in
your state, or with regard to a particular theme (for example, displacement due to discrimination).
evaluation In a reversal of the pattern of a number of similar bodies, such as the European
Committee of Social Rights, ECRI does not receive periodic reports on states but rather investigates
and then periodically prepares such reports itself. It now regularly does so through on-site visits
by representatives of the Committee as well as a confidential dialogue with authorities prior to the
completion of public reports. It has raised IDP issues in a number of its previous reports and plainly
takes an interest in the issue, but has not issued any general policy recommendations, thematic
reports, or “good practice” reports specifically focused on displacement.
Its encouragement of participation by NGOs, though informal, promises good access to those
interested in raising IDP issues. However, the Commission’s recommendations are not binding.
competence ECRI is authorized to monitor issues of racism and intolerance in each Council of
Europe member state. A list of member states is available at www.coe.int. It is not tied to a specific
human rights treaty.
contact
European Commission against Racism and Intolerance Secretariat
Council of Europe
F-67075 Strasbourg-Cedex
France
Fax: +33 (0)3 88 41 39 87
for more information
Regional Mechanisms | Europe
Website of the Commission: www.coe.int/T/E/human_rights/Ecri/1-ECRI/
ECRI and its Programme of Activities, CRI (99) 53 rev.5, available from the Commission secretariat
at the above address and on the website.
euroPean commiTTee of social righTs
Background ECSR is the body responsible for monitoring states’ compliance with the European
Social Charter, a Council of Europe instrument guaranteeing a number of social and economic rights.
Guide to International Human Rights Mechanisms
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