22/05/2026 Standing Committee | Equality and Non-Discrimination
PACE has adopted a resolution stressing that “equality and non-discrimination are cornerstones of democratic societies and essential elements of the rule of law”, while warning that “regressions in women’s rights may serve as an early warning sign of broader democratic backsliding”.
The adopted resolution, based on a report by the rapporteur Tuula Haatainen (Finland, SOC), underlines the central role played by national equality bodies in “promoting equality and combating discrimination”, assisting victims and advising public authorities on equality policies.
The Assembly notes with concern that “human rights, equality and non-discrimination face increasing pressure across Europe from both domestic and external actors, including foreign governments and forces opposing equality, such as anti-gender movements”. In this context, parliamentarians stress that public authorities must ensure that equality bodies are able to operate independently, with “adequate financial and human resources, protection from political interference, and a legal framework that guarantees their autonomy”.
PACE also stresses that “co-operation between parliaments and equality bodies should be strengthened”, including through “regular exchanges, hearings, reporting mechanisms and systematic consideration” of their recommendations in legislative processes.
The Assembly further highlights the important contribution of civil society organisations working on equality and non-discrimination, stressing that “ensuring a safe and sustainable environment for their work is essential to democratic life”.
A notable element of the text is that it also calls on member states to “consider the establishment of a Europe-wide early warning mechanism on equality and non-discrimination in order to identify and respond to risks of backsliding in a timely manner”.
The resolution calls on member states to establish independent equality bodies where they do not yet exist and ensure that their mandates cover “all relevant grounds of discrimination”.
In this context, PACE welcomes the opening for signature of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, describing it as a “landmark convention” establishing common standards to ensure that AI systems respect “fundamental rights and democratic principles”.