Nomination of an Irish member to the Council of Europe (CoE) European Commission against Racism and Intolerance

Minister of State Colm Brophy is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons for consideration for appointment as the Irish member on the Council of Europe's European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

This position is for a five year period commencing in the summer of 2026. The appointment may be renewed.

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) is a unique human rights expert body that monitors action against racism, discrimination (on grounds of “race”, ethnic or national background, skin colour, citizenship, religion, language, sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics), and intolerance in Europe. ECRI deals with the phenomena of racism, discrimination and intolerance that are or may be of a structural or general nature.

ECRI’s statutory activities are country monitoring, thematic work and relations with civil society. Article 1 of ECRI’s Statue includes that it shall pursue the following objectives:

• to review member states’ legislation, policies and other measures to combat racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance, and their effectiveness;
• to propose further action at local, national and European level;
• to formulate general policy recommendations to member states;
• to study international legal instruments applicable in the matter with a view to their reinforcement where appropriate.

ECRI co-operates with the authorities of Council of Europe member states, independent authorities responsible for action against racism and intolerance at national level (equality bodies), relevant international organisations, such as the European Union, the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and civil society actors.

ECRI is composed of 46 members appointed on the basis of their independence, impartiality, moral authority and recognised expertise in dealing with issues of racism and intolerance. Each Council of Europe member state appoints one person to serve as a member of ECRI.

Members of ECRI are expected to commit approximately 25 days per year to its work including 3 plenary meetings in Strasbourg, each of 3-4 days duration and generally held in March/April, June/July and November/December, country visits and preparatory work. Members receive a Council of Europe per diem payment for meeting attendance and country visits.

The role, terms and conditions regarding the appointment of members of ECRI, as well as the programme of work of ECRI, is governed by the Statute of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance and the Internal Rules of Procedure of ECRI, which can be found on the ECRI website here - About the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) - European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

Article 2 of ECRI’s Statute includes that the members of ECRI should have high moral authority and a recognised expertise in dealing with racism, intolerance and related forms of discrimination. They should serve in their individual capacity, and should be independent and impartial in fulfilling their mandate. They should not receive any instructions from their government. This provision implies that members of ECRI will not take instructions from any organisation or person, including in their respective countries, on how to perform their duties as members of ECRI.

In addition to the above criteria, candidates for ECRI membership should have proven fluency in at least one of the official languages of the Council of Europe. At least passive knowledge of the other official language is also highly desirable. Furthermore, they should be available for participating in plenary and other related meetings as well as in any country visits, including in times of crisis. They should also be able to work under stress and a tight time schedule.

In accordance with Article 3.6 of ECRI’s Statute, ECRI members are appointed for a term of office of five years, which may be renewed twice.

Details of the current members of ECRI are available here - Members of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance - European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

Selection will be based on an examination of the expressions of interest received and a shortlist of the most suitable will be placed before the Minister for consideration. The Minister may, at his discretion, select a person from outside this list.

Applications should be sent to IPIDECRI@justice.ie.

Persons wishing to express an interest in this position should submit a detailed curriculum vitae and a covering letter which sets out their motivation. A model curriculum vitae setting out the information which should be included is available for download below.

Any enquires should be sent to IPIDECRI@justice.ie.

The closing date for expressions of interest is midnight on the 17th of April 2026.

Please use the below ‘Model curriculum vitae for the (re-)appointment of ECRI members or deputy members’ to apply for this position.