National Office Against Racial Discrimination

UNAR logo

== National Office Against Racial Discrimination ==

The National Office Against Racial Discrimination (UNAR) is an Italian governmental body established to combat racism and racial discrimination in Italy. It operates under the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

History

The UNAR was established in 2003 following the implementation of the European Union's Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC). This directive required member states to create bodies to promote equal treatment irrespective of racial or ethnic origin.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the UNAR include:

• Monitoring and analyzing the phenomenon of racial discrimination.
• Promoting equality and equal treatment.
• Providing assistance to victims of racial discrimination.
• Raising public awareness about issues related to racism and discrimination.

Activities

The UNAR engages in various activities to fulfill its mandate:

• **Data Collection and Research**: The office collects data on incidents of racial discrimination and conducts research to understand the scope and nature of the problem.
• **Support Services**: It offers support services to victims of racial discrimination, including legal assistance and counseling.
• **Public Awareness Campaigns**: The UNAR organizes campaigns to educate the public about the importance of racial equality and the negative impacts of discrimination.
• **Policy Development**: It works with other governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop policies and strategies to combat racial discrimination.

Structure

The UNAR is headed by a Director, who is appointed by the Prime Minister. The office is divided into several departments, each focusing on different aspects of racial discrimination and equality.

Collaborations

The UNAR collaborates with various national and international organizations, including:

• European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
• Council of Europe
• United Nations

Challenges

Despite its efforts, the UNAR faces several challenges, including:

• Limited resources and funding.
• The complexity of addressing deeply ingrained societal prejudices.
• Ensuring effective enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.

See Also

• Racism in Italy
• Human rights in Italy
• European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
• Council of Europe
• United Nations