ABSTRACT
Hatred, xenophobia and racism are three phenomena that clearly undermine the principle of equality. In this chapter Françoise Tulkens discusses how the Agency has put the study of these phenomena high on its agenda, and how its interdisciplinary way of approaching them has complemented the predominantly legal approach of other international bodies. Several EU-wide surveys have generated a substantial factual knowledge on the spread of these phenomena. For FRA this knowledge has served as a solid basis for awareness-raising throughout the EU, particularly among professionals. It has also served as an incentive for action, not only at the EU level, but equally by Member States and NGOs. In its follow-up actions the Agency has put particular emphasis on the need to provide access to justice for victims of hate crime. Too often, xenophobia, racism and other expressions of hatred are not taken seriously by police officers, prosecutors and judges.
