From limited access to leisure activities to the suspension of unvaccinated agents, many referrals to the Defender of Rights have been linked to the health crisis, notes Tuesday the 2021 report of this independent authority marked by an unprecedented level of complaints since its creation. 10 years ago.
Established by the organic law of March 29, 2011, this independent authority now has more than 870 reception points in France and abroad.
It can thus collect complaints relating to five major themes: the rights of the child, whistleblowers, the fight against discrimination, but also respect for ethics by the security forces and that of the rights of service users. public.
In ten years, the Defender of Rights has received around one million complaints, including almost 115,000 in 2021 alone, i.e. an overall increase in requests of 21% and an “
unprecedented level
”.
Complaints handled in 2021 related in particular to social protection and security (22.1% of complaints handled), foreigners' rights (17.1%) and road traffic law (11.6%).
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The effects of the Covid also motivated numerous requests.
Throughout the year, "
while recognizing the importance of vaccination in the fight against the pandemic
", the Defender of Rights Claire Hédon "
deplored the progressive erosion of our freedoms and the cohesion of society
" while "
social inequalities and precariousness have only worsened
".
'Increased vigilance' on children's mental health
Its 231 agents noted in particular, through the instruction of the referrals, “
the persistent and particularly worrying effects on the children of a health crisis established over time
”.
Part of the annual report is precisely dedicated to the mental health of children and to the Defender of Rights' appeals to the authorities on the imperative of "
increased vigilance
".
The Defender of Rights has also received “
several dozen complaints
” from agents suspended by health establishments for non-compliance with the vaccination obligation even though they were on sick leave.
“
Discrimination based on the state of health
”, according to the institution.
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In the fight against discrimination, a dedicated platform was created on February 12, 2021 (Antidiscriminations.fr).
Designed, supported and piloted by the Defender of Rights, this system which offers remedies for victims of discrimination, also includes a telephone number, 3928 and mobilizes associations, trade unions and State services. competent.
In December 2021, the platform recorded 14,000 requests and allowed, according to the report, a 22.2% increase in referrals on this theme.