European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) monitors developments in each and every member states of the Council of Europe by drawing up reports containing a set of country-specificr recommendations within the framework of monitoring cycles lasting approximately five years as well as general policy recommendations addressed to all states. ECRI engages with national equality bodies to support authorities and civil society actors in developing a shared agenda for addressing all forms of racism, intolerance and racial and anti-LGBTI discrimination of a structural nature and creating successful inclusion policies.  

Racism and intolerance can only be successfully countered if civil society is effectively engaged. ECRI attaches great importance to ensuring that its anti-racism message filters down to the whole of civil society so that all sectors of society are involved in intercultural dialogue based on mutual respect.

Co-operation with NGOs is strengthened through a permanent working group dealing with civil society relations, including information exchange, meetings, and hearings. In the context of its country visits, ECRI holds meetings with various civil society actors to assess the situation as accurately as possible and identify key issues to raise with government representatives. Following publication of country reports or conclusions, information meetings may be organised in co-operation with national government and non-government partners.