Frequently-asked questions

The HALDE is an independent statutory authority (AAI), meaning an administrative body which takes action on behalf of the State and holds real powers, though it does not operate under government authority. (Source : Conseil d’Etat

Lodging a complaint with the HALDE means reporting an instance of discrimination to the Commission so that it can take action.

No. The telephone number 08 1000 5000 enables people who feel they are victims of discrimination to receive information and, possibly, be guided toward other services if the HALDE’s powers do not apply to them. This is why it is important to dial 08 1000 5000 before lodging any complaint with the HALDE.

To lodge a complaint with the HALDE, two avenues are possible : :
Online
By postal mail : The HALDE – 11 rue Saint Georges – 75009 Paris

No. Your case will be handled in the same manner, whether your complaint reaches the HALDE by mail or online.

If you reside in a region where the HALDE has established a regional delegate and/or a local correspondent, you can go directly to that person, if you think you are a victim of discrimination. The correspondent will be able to inform you, guide you if deemed appropriate, help you put together your case and address the complaint to the HALDE’s Legal Department so that it can be reviewed.

No. The HALDE is an independent authority. It does not issue labels and does not fund projects. It informs the public about any initiative or best practice assessed in the registry of best practices, on its Web site. This registry is a database for all business players, and makes it possible to share information about assisting actions in order to promote equality.

To receive the HALDE’s pamphlets or documentation, you can send an e-mail to :

contact@halde.fr

Discrimination is a difference in treatment based on grounds prohibited by law, in a field specifically covered by law.

Discrimination can occur in employment (in hiring or along the career path), in housing, in access to goods and services or in education. There exist 18 grounds for discrimination prohibited by law : age, gender, origin, family status, sexual orientation, lifestyle, genetic traits, actual or assumed membership in an ethnic group, nationality, race, physical appearance, disability, health condition, surname, political opinion, religious beliefs, union activity or pregnancy.

Discrimination can come in different forms :

• The discrimination is direct when it is deliberate and the difference in treatment is based on grounds prohibited by law.
• The discrimination is indirect when an apparently-neutral provision, criterion or practice can have the same impact as direct discrimination and lead to negative effects for a person or group of people, based on a criterion prohibited by law.
• Harassment can become a discriminatory behaviour when it occurs on discriminatory grounds prohibited by law. Harassment is behaviour that impairs the dignity of an individual and creates an intimidating, hostile, debasing, humiliating and offensive environment. Discrimination is an offence punishable by law. The law provides for penalties that can reach EUR 45 000 in fines and 3 years’ imprisonment.

Are you a victim?

Racism is a serious offence that is punishable by law. The HALDE has the power to take action if discrimination has occurred. For this to be deemed true, there must be a difference in treatment with respect to another person in gaining access to employment, housing, property, etc., on grounds prohibited by law. When racism occurs in the form of insults or violence, there is no difference in treatment in a field covered by law, for the victim is not prevented from accessing a job, accommodations or property. Thus, there is no discrimination in the legal sense of the term. The HALDE thus has no power over such offences.