The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), established in 1993, is a monitoring body of the Council of Europe that specialises in countering all forms of racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance, with the aim of protecting human rights. ECRI members hold office for five years. They are appointed for their moral authority and recognised experience in the field of the fight against racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance and act individually and independently. One independent member from each CoE country sits on the Commission and, if expressly requested by a government, an alternate member.

ECRI’s mandate covers all appropriate measures to combat violence, discrimination and prejudice against persons (or groups of persons) on the basis of racial, linguistic, religious, national or ethnic grounds. The Commission carries out an in-depth analysis of the situation regarding racism and intolerance in each of the CoE member states and makes suggestions and proposals by drawing up reports. The report is drawn up on the basis of the analysis of documentary sources, visits to member states and a confidential dialogue with national authorities and the civic society organisations. The ECRI also addresses general policy recommendations to all member states and promotes cooperation with all relevant actors, in particular NGOs, mass media and youth associations.