an unprecedented level of complaints to the Defender of Rights since its creation

In ten years, the independent authority has received around a million complaints, including almost 115,000 in 2021 alone.

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From limited access to leisure activities to the suspension of unvaccinated agents, numerous referrals to the Defender of Rights have been linked to the health crisis, notes the 2021 report of this independent authority on Tuesday July 5. In ten years, the Defender of Rights has received approximately one million complaints, including almost 115,000 in 2021 alone, i.e. an overall increase in requests of 21% and a “level never reached”.

Established by the organic law of March 29, 2011, this authority can receive complaints relating to five major themes: the rights of the child, whistleblowers, the fight against discrimination but also respect for ethics by the forces. security and that of the rights of users of public services.

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%). 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 gradual erosion of our freedoms and the cohesion of society” whereas “social inequalities and precariousness have only worsened”.

Its 231 agents noted in particular, through the investigation of referrals, “the persistent and particularly worrying effects on children of a long-term health crisis”. 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” agents suspended by health establishments for non-compliance with the vaccination obligation even though they were on sick leave. “Discrimination based on health status”depending on the institution.


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