(35)Some instances of discrimination are difficult to combat because there is no complainant pursuing the case themselves. In its judgment in case C-54/07note, which was brought by an equality body in its own name, the Court of Justice confirmed that discrimination can be established even in the absence of an identified victim. Therefore, in order to combat discrimination in the public interest, Member States should have the option to provide that equality bodies be able to act in their own name in certain cases of discrimination, for example due to the abundance or seriousness of cases or the need for legal clarification, each of which could imply that the discrimination is structural or systematic in nature. Member States should be able to provide, in accordance with national law and practice, that such cases of discrimination require an identified person or entity as a respondent.
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