Which opportunities for civil society?

Interview with Annica Ryngbeck, Policy and Advocacy advisor of Social Platform from 2014 to 2018

Q: Can you describe how Social Platform represents its members in EU institutions?

A: Social Platform is a network of 45 pan-European NGOs. Social Platform works to ensure that EU policies are developed in partnership with the stakeholders they care for, respecting fundamental rights, promoting solidarity, and improving citizens' lives. Our members work on issues such as: gender equality, LGBT rights, the fight against poverty and discrimination, the rights of Roma people, the homeless, etc. On some political issues that affect the interests of multiple categories, we develop a joint position and recommendations which we then present to policymakers in bilateral meetings, or by inviting them to our events and public meetings. In 2016, we invited representatives from the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission to speak with us and our members and share the secrets of the advocacy profession at the EU institutions.

Q: How does Social Platform raise awareness of EU institutions on discrimination and violence against specific groups such as the homeless and people with mental disorders?

A: EU legislation recognises racist and xenophobic hate crimes but not other forms of intolerance and violence, such as those against LGBT, elderly, disabled or people in poverty. That is why in 2012 we came up with a position in favour of 'action against all forms of violence and prejudice', with recommendations addressed to policymakers and Member States for legislation to be extended to cover other forms of violence and to recognise additional needs like support for victims and professional training where relevant. For example, violence and harassment against mentally ill or homeless people rarely receive political attention. It is therefore important to give the topic visibility and recognition. An important part of our work is to ensure that not only the 'usual suspects' are invited to meetings with decision-makers, but also the representatives of civil society who work to combat other forms of intolerance. Many of our members are service providers and work on access to social services in the EU, such as education, housing, and care; others work on specific discrimination factors such as ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation. Consequently, we seek to raise awareness and dialogue on non-discrimination as an important criterion for 'access' to services. This encourages organisations to collaborate, amplify their voices, and highlight the intersection of inequalities (for example, a Roma person may be a victim of violence based on both ethnicity and poverty, an older woman may suffer gender and age discrimination). Bringing cases and good practices to light is a way of showing the importance of approving the Equal Treatment Directive in access to goods and services, blocked in the Council since 2009.

Q: What kind of advocacy tools do you use?

A: First, we make sure that we are invited to relevant meetings in the European Parliament, both with individual MEPs and at hearings, to present our recommendations on the need to tackle all forms of hatred and intolerance. Secondly, we inform our members of important meetings or consultations at EU institutions, explaining why it is important to contribute to policy processes that they may not feel are directly related to their activity. For example, organisations working on anti-discrimination typically collaborate with the European Parliament intergroup on anti-racism and diversity, while service providers tend to collaborate with the intergroup on common goods and public services. As Social Platform, we seek to bring these politicians and stakeholders closer together and make them understand that anti-discrimination and access to goods and services are closely linked.

Food for thought

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