FAQ
Who is Unia? What are our responsibilities? How can we help you? What should you do if you have experienced or witnessed discrimination? On this page, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
The aim of these frequently asked questions (FAQ) is to provide you with answers to questions about our organisation, our services and our tools.
If you do not find the answer to your question, please don't hesitate to contact us via our contact form.
Is Unia active in Flanders?
Yes, Unia is active in Flanders as an equality body.
What is the official status of Unia?
Unia is a public institution. It is an independent, interfederal expert in the area of equal opportunities and antidiscrimination. Unia is therefore neither an NGO nor an association.
Who determines Unia’s duties?
Unia’s duties are determined by the federal government, the Regions and the Communities.
Is Unia active internationally?
Yes. Unia is recognised internationally and at multiple levels as an institution that protects human rights and combats discrimination.
Is Unia independent from politics?
Unia fulfils its responsibilities with full independence, according to the cooperation agreement of 12 June 2013. Unia’s independence has moreover been recognised internationally.
How many people work at Unia?
In 2022, there were 101 employees working at Unia, divided among 8 departments.
How is Unia funded?
Unia is chiefly funded by the Federal Authority, the Regions and the Communities. This funding is provided for in the cooperation agreement of 12 June 2013.
What should I do if I am unhappy with the way Unia has handled my case?
What if you made a report to Unia but you are not satisfied with the response you received?
What is negotiation and what are its benefits?
Unia analyses the reports received to determine the appropriate follow-up. When active monitoring is deemed appropriate, Unia can either opt for negotiation (in the majority of cases), or take legal action.
Is it possible to visit your offices?
There is little interest in visiting our premises (mainly offices for our various colleagues and some meeting rooms). To find out more about the activities of Unia, we suggest you visit our website.
Can Unia help me with a paper, task or research?
At Unia, we receive many questions from students for papers, tasks or research. We are of course happy with this interest in equal opportunities and anti-discrimination, but due to our high workload, we can only provide answers to PhD students. Fortunately, you can find a lot of information quickly on our website.
Can Unia speak at my conference or debate, or participate in my event?
Would you like one of our colleagues to speak at a conference, debate or participate in an event? Please let us know your exact expectations and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Which reports will not be handled by Unia?
Unia does not process some reports, especially those that are anonymous. Read our criteria for the admissibility of a report here.
What is the role of Unia?
Unia’s mission is to fight discrimination and to defend equal opportunities.
What doesn’t Unia do?
Unia may only act within the framework of its official responsibilities.
Who can get help from Unia?
Anyone who feels that he or she has experienced or witnessed discrimination based on one of the criteria for which Unia is competent may contact us.
What should you do if you have been discriminated?
You can report the situation using our online form, by telephone or at one of our local contact points.
What to do if you witness discrimination or hate speech?
Use our online form to report the situation you witnessed.
What happens with your report?
Here are the key steps in processing a report to Unia.
When will Unia take legal action?
Unia always favours settling a conflict through mediation. However, very rarely, it may initiate or participate in legal action.
Are Unia’s services free of charge?
Yes. Unia provides its advice and information free of charge.
What happens with your personal data when you contact Unia?
Unia handles your report or information request in keeping with its privacy statement.
Is it possible to receive promotional material (goodies, pens, bags, etc.)?
As our supply of promotional material is limited, we have to give priority to its distribution during the public activities of our institution. Therefore, we cannot respond positively to individual requests.
What are the major publications by Unia?
Unia publishes study reports and informative brochures to share its expertise in the area of equal opportunities and non-discrimination.
How to consult the Unia publications?
Digital versions of all Unia publications are accessible free of charge on our website.
What are the tools for fighting discrimination in Belgium?
Unia offers a wide range of tools for promoting equal opportunity and fighting discrimination. The aim is to provide targeted answers to specific questions.