The framework entered into force on 1 January 2018 and includes the following thematic areas:
- victims of crime and access to justice;
- equality and discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation, or on the grounds of nationality;
- information society and, in particular, respect for private life and protection of personal data;
- judicial cooperation, except in criminal matters;
- migration, borders, asylum and integration of refugees and migrants;
- racism, xenophobia and related intolerance;
- rights of the child;
- integration and social inclusion of Roma.
The Framework is implemented in complementarity to the work of other EU bodies, the Council of Europe and other international organisations involved in the field of human rights.
The current Multi-annual Framework will expire on 31st December 2022 and will be replaced by a new Council Decision. The previous Multi-annual Framework spanned the years 2013-2017.