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).

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance is a Council of Europe body entrusted with the task of combating racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance in greater Europe and from the perspective of the protection of human rights.

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.

This position is for a five year period commencing in the summer of 2026. The appointment may be renewed. The closing date for expressions of interest is midnight on the 17th of April 2026.

Further information can be found here.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

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.

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.