L 303/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 2.12.2000 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 13 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament (%), Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), Having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions (%), Whereas: (1)  In accordance with Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union, the European Union is founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, principles which are common to all Member States and it respects fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and as they result from the constitutional traditions common to the Member States, as general principles of Community law. (2)  The principle of equal treatment between women and men is well established by an important body of Community law, in particular in Council Directive 76/ 207[EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (%). (3)  In implementing the principle of equal treatment, the Community should, in accordance with Article 3(2) of the EC Treaty, aim to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality between men and women, especially since women are often the victims of multiple discrimination. (4)  The right of all persons to equality before the law and protection against discrimination constitutes a universal right recognised by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Convention on the Elimina- tion of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, United Nations Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and by the European Convention for the Protection of Human () O] C 177 E, 27.6.2000, p. 42. (¥ Opinion delivered on 12 October 2000 (not yet published in the Official Journal). () O] C 204, 18.7.2000, p. 82. () O] C 226, 8.8.2000, p. 1. () O] L 39, 14.2.1976, p. 40. Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, to which all Member States are signatories. Convention No 111 of the Inter- national Labour Organisation (ILO) prohibits discrim- ination in the field of employment and occupation. (5) It is important to respect such fundamental rights and freedoms. This Directive does not prejudice freedom of association, including the right to establish unions with others and to join unions to defend one's interests. (6)  The Community Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of Workers recognises the importance of combating every form of discrimination, including the need to take appropriate action for the social and economic integration of elderly and disabled people. (7)  The EC Treaty includes among its objectives the promo- tion of coordination between employment policies of the Member States. To this end, a new employment chapter was incorporated in the EC Treaty as a means of developing a coordinated European strategy for employ- ment to promote a skilled, trained and adaptable work- force. (8)  The Employment Guidelines for 2000 agreed by the European Council at Helsinki on 10 and 11 December 1999 stress the need to foster a labour market favour- able to social integration by formulating a coherent set of policies aimed at combating discrimination against groups such as persons with disability. They also empha- sise the need to pay particular attention to supporting older workers, in order to increase their participation in the labour force. (9  Employment and occupation are key elements in guar- anteeing equal opportunities for all and contribute strongly to the full participation of citizens in economic, cultural and social life and to realising their potential. (100 On 29 June 2000 the Council adopted Directive 2000/ 43/EC (%) implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin. That Directive already provides protection against such discrimination in the field of employment and occupation. (11)  Discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation may undermine the achievement of the objectives of the EC Treaty, in particular the attainment of a high level of employment and social (9 OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22.