Analyses, surveys and statistical data (published by the Commissioner for Human Rights, the Government Plenipotentiary for Equal Treatment, PTPA, the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, the Ministry of Justice) show that the act on implementing some EU regulations in the field of equal treatment is not as effective as planned. Lawsuits for damages based on the act and the special procedure introduced by it are not pursued. The majority of court verdicts of the first instance concerning discrimination dismiss the lawsuits (monitoring led by the Polish Society for Anti-discrimination Law, 2013). The awareness on discrimination among citizens and judges is insufficient, and non-governmental organisations often don’t know how to use the act of law to help their clients.
The aim of the project was to enhance the awareness of judges and representatives of non-governmental organisations on how to use the anti-discrimination regulations.
As a result of the project, both groups increased their knowledge, and proposals for solutions and good practices were developed and presented in a special report. A package of materials was prepared on discrimination issues in court practice and relations with non-governmental groups. Five workshops were conducted for judges and representatives of non-governmental organisations. 800 copies of the report „Together against discrimination” were printed. Popularising and advocacy activities were conducted.
The project benefited 101 judges, 60 representatives of non-governmental organisations, and 24 other participants. The report in paper version reached 250, and in electronic version 650 organisations, institutions and persons.
The project was implemented in partnership with the Judges Association THEMIS and INPRIS – the Law and Society Institute. THEMIS was responsible for participation of and contact with judges, while INPRIS for better contact with non-governmental organisations.