A housing co-operative discriminates against Roma applicants. Can I complain to an equality body?

What the Law Says

The EU Racial Equality Directive prohibits discrimination on grounds of racial or ethnic origin in housing — including co-operative housing — and requires Member States to establish independent equality bodies to assist victims.

The Council Directive 2000/43/EC implements the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin. It applies to all persons, including Roma, and covers access to housing — explicitly naming 'housing, including housing co-operatives'.

Article 3(1)(h) states that the directive applies to 'housing, including housing co-operatives', confirming that co-ops fall within its scope.

Article 13 requires each EU Member State to designate 'one or more bodies' to promote equal treatment and provide independent assistance to victims of discrimination — these are the national equality bodies you may contact.

Statutory Text

the principle of equal treatment shall mean that there shall be no direct or indirect discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin

— Council Directive 2000/43/EC, Art. 2(2) — Principle of equal treatment

Statutory Text

within the fields of application referred to in Article 3(1), and in particular with regard to housing, including housing co-operatives

— Council Directive 2000/43/EC, Art. 3(1)(h) — Scope

Statutory Text

each Member State shall designate one or more bodies for the promotion of equal treatment... which may be the same as those referred to in Article 13 of Directive 2000/78/EC

— Council Directive 2000/43/EC, Art. 13 — Equality bodies

Sources