San Marino has yet to complete the process of establishing an independent body to combat discrimination. ECRI, the Council of Europe’s Commission against Racism and Intolerance, acknowledges progress but still considers its recommendation “partially implemented.”
The assessment, adopted on 2 July and published on 30 October, takes into account the activation of the Technical-Administrative Secretariat Office for Equal Opportunities, Bioethics and Social Inclusion, as well as the project for a National Human Rights Ombudsman.
What remains to be guaranteed is a body with genuine autonomy, adequate resources and effective powers to tackle racism, intolerance and discrimination. By contrast, ECRI considers the recommendation on tackling bullying and cyberbullying in schools to have been fully implemented.
On the issue of the ombudsman, Attiva-Mente is now asking where the project currently stands, when it will be presented, and what powers the new figure will hold. The association points out that the 2026 Economic Programme had envisaged concluding the process in the early months of the year.
It also recalls three Arengo Petitions (Istanze d’Arengo) approved unanimously: one against hate and discrimination in 2021, one calling for the ombudsman in 2024, and one against disability-related discrimination in February 2026.
Attiva-Mente is also seeking clarification on the framework law against discrimination, currently being studied by the Department of European Affairs as part of San Marino’s alignment with the Association Agreement with the European Union, and is urging the involvement of civil society and organisations representing people with disabilities.
