Plans to merge the HALDE into the future Defender of Rights

4 June 2010

On 19 May 2010 the French Senate's Law Committee voted the attachment of the High Authority against Discrimination and for Equality (HALDE) to the future Defender of Rights.

The majority of the Senate committee adopted amendments to the draft organic law creating a defender of rights and freedoms. In the original text presented by the government, it consisted of only the powers of the Ombudsman for Children, the Ombudsman of the Republic and the National Commission on Security Ethics.

Presented as an improvement in the protection of rights and freedoms, this bill bears the risk of backsliding in the protection of fundamental rights. In addition to questioning its independence, its visibility and reputation, it may lead to complicating the referral procedure and dilution of expertise and competence of the High Authority against Discrimination and for Equality.

Jeannette Bougrab, Chair of the HALDE, announced before the Law Committee of the National Assembly that she is firmly opposed to a "dilution" of the institution within the Defender of Rights.

The legislative debate on the draft law will take place in the Senate early June 2010.

Further information

HALDE website: www.halde.fr