Implementation issues

• Author: Karin de Vries
• Pages: 81-82

81

8IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES

8.1Dissemination of information, dialogue with NGOs and between social

partners

a)Dissemination of information about legal protection against discrimination (Article 10

Directive 2000/43 and Article 12Directive 2000/78)

The equality bodies described in Section 7 (the local ADVs and the NIHR) play a core role

in the dissemination of information about legal protection against discrimination. They have

been provided with a specific legal mandate to do so.

b)Measures to encourage dialogue with NGOs with a view to promoting the principle of

equal treatment (Article 12Directive 2000/43 and Article 14Directive 2000/78)

The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (Department of Constitutional Affairs)

co-ordinates all activities in the area of EU law implementation issues, since all equal

treatment legislation is (also) seen as part of the general principle of equality and non-

discrimination included in Article 1 of the Constitution. In this capacity and in cooperation

with other ministries it often draws on the work and activities of NGOs. The NIHR also plays

an important role in encouraging dialogue with NGOs with a view to promoting the principle

of equal treatment.

c)Measures to promote dialogue between social partners to give effect to the principle

of equal treatment within workplace practices, codes of practice and workforce

monitoring (Article 11Directive 2000/43 and Article 13Directive 2000/78)

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is responsible for activities to enhance

compliance with the equal treatment legislation, as far as this legislation applies to

employment relationships. This Ministry has taken the initiative for a variety of activities

to inform the general public about the (new) legal standards, to inform social partners and

to stimulate their involvement in the implementation of the legal non-discrimination norms.

In addition, the Ministry is actively engaged in promoting studies and surveys in this field.

d)Addressing the situation of Roma and Travellers

No official body or agency exists that is specifically appointed to address Roma and

Traveller issues at national level. However, in 2009-2010 the Government initiated co-

ordination, mutual support and exchange of information between local authorities in which

a substantial number of Roma people live.345 A set of policy measures was drafted by the

Dutch Government in 2011 to foster the social inclusion of Roma and Sinti people, as

requested by the European Commission. In addition, the Dutch Government developed a

qualitative monitoring instrument to measure the social inclusion of Roma and Sinti in the

Netherlands. This instrument includes indicators such as education, employment,

healthcare, housing and dialogue with local authorities. This monitor is updated every few

years. From the latest report it appears that the social integration of Roma is still very

problematic.346

345 See Tweede Kamer, 2008-2009, 31 700 XVIII, no. 90.

346 SeeMonitor Sociale Inclusie: meting 3. Tweede vervolgmeting naar de woon- en leefomstandigheden van

Roma en Sinti in Nederland (Monitor on social inclusion: measurement 3. Second follow-up measurement of

the housing and living situation of Roma and Sinti in the Netherlands), 2018:

www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/publicaties/2018/11/16/monitor-sociale-inclusie-meting-3.