The principle of equal treatment means that people may not be discriminated against due to the characteristics attributed to them.
The Equal Treatment Act entered into force on 1 January 2009 and specifies eight characteristics, discrimination on the grounds of which is regarded as unlawful. These are: nationality (ethnic origin), race, colour, religion or other beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation and gender.
- The Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for the coordination of equal treatment (concerning sexual orientation, age, disability) and the preparation of the respective draft legislation.
Gender equality means that equal rights, obligations, opportunities and responsibilities are ensured for men and women to participate in all aspects of social life. The prevention of violence against women is an important prerequisite for achieving equality.
- The Ministry of Social Affairs designs the appropriate policy for the achievement of gender equality and implements policies that directly promote gender equality.
Useful links
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The Ministry of Culture is responsible for addressing the topics concerning cultural diversity and ethnic minorities
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The Ministry of the Interior addresses the questions concerning citizenship and migration and religious associations
Strategic documents
- Gender Equality Act
- Equal Treatment Act
- Victim Support Act
- Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner
- The website Diversity Enriches of the Estonian Human Rights Centre for the promotion of equal treatment
- Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (PDF)
- The Equality Competence Center of the European Union Cohesion Policy Funds