Our approach
Unia's approach is tailored to the specific needs of the general public, policy makers, lawyers, civil society and professionals who want to make a difference in the field of inclusion and equality.
Practical help for victims of discrimination
We help people who experience discrimination, hate speech or a hate crime:
- We provide clear information about discrimination and help victims who report it. Every year, thousands of reports are received by our collaboration.
- We look for the best solution for each case. In most instances we use mediation to reach a negotiated solution. Only if there is no other option, will we go to courtThis happens for only about ten cases per year.
We ensure a sympathetic ear for victims. Where necessary, we refer them to partners or other organisations.
Inspiration for policymakers
Unia assists local governments and administrations and cabinets that want to collaborate with us on equality. Our advice and policy recommendations are a source of expertise for developing regulations and policy initiatives.
Working together with civil society
We work closely with civil society to better understand individual experiences of discrimination against vulnerable groups. In this way, as an equality body, we can gain a better understanding of the specific challenges and problems that different communities face. We also invite them to refer victims of discrimination to us.
Added value for lawyers, researchers and professionals in the workplace
The acquired knowledge and experience about equality and non-discrimination is an invaluable resource for professionals:
- We offer lawyers and magistrates a database with case law on discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes .
- We support employers, HR managers and prevention advisors through eDiv, our online tool for more diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They can also approach us for customised guidance and training.
- Researchers who need data about (in)equality and discrimination can use the equality data hub which brings together numerous data sources.
Collaboration with partners and governments in Belgium
We can only make a difference together. That is why Unia has established cooperation agreements with partners and cooperation protocols with Belgian governments.
United for equality with other international equality bodies
At an international level we use our expertise to collaborate with various organisations:
Open United Nations
Open Council of Europe
- ECRI European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, in which our director Els Keytsman has been a member of the Bureau since December 2023
- ENNHRI: European Network of National Human Rights Institutions, umbrella organisation of human rights institutions
- Committee of Experts on Artificial Intelligence, Equality and Discrimination (GEC/ADI-AI): committee of experts on artificial intelligence (AI) and discrimination in which we are an independent expert
Open European Union
Open Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
ODIHR: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Report discrimination
Do you feel you have experienced or witnessed discrimination? Report it online or call the toll-free number 0800 12 800 on weekdays between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m.