Finland Times

 

File Photo Lehtikuva.

The European Commission has decided to refer Finland to the Court of Justice of the European Union as its equality body has not been entrusted with specific tasks related to racial equality in employment, said an EU press release on Thursday. 

 

The press release said Article 13 of the Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC) requires member states to set up a national equality body and formally attribute it with tasks including providing assistance to victims, conducting independent surveys, publishing independent reports and making recommendations concerning discrimination. 

 

The commission strictly monitors the correct transposition of the directive as regards the equality bodies, since these bodies as watchdogs for equality play the core role in ensuring effective implementation and application of the directive.

 

Despite extensive discussions with Finland following a letter of formal notice and a reasoned opinion, there has been no concrete progress, said the press release. 

 

In April 2014, the Finnish government submitted a proposal to the national parliament for a new non-discrimination act. However, this proposal is insufficient to solve the problem, observed the EC. 

 

Referral to court may contribute to introducing appropriate corrections in the act which is currently under discussion, the press release added.