You have the right to complain if you think you have been discriminated against.
In this section, you will find information about where and how to submit a complaint about discrimination in Estonia.
Before you make a formal complaint, it is important to understand what you want to achieve. If your rights have been violated, you are entitled to a remedy, which can take many forms like an apology, compensation, reinstatement etc. Before you decide to complain, it is important to understand which form of remedy you are willing to receive.
Informal complaint
Sometimes it is better to try to resolve the problem informally first. You can raise the issue with your employer, educational institution, service provider, etc., depending, of course, on where you have experienced the discrimination. This may save the time and costs of legal proceedings. If you have not received any response, or the response was not satisfactory, you may decide to proceed with a formal complaint.
Formal complaints to state institutions and courts
Sometimes it is better to start with a complaint to the state institutions dealing with discrimination in general or which have control over a particular sector. There are various state institutions that have the task of overseeing activities in different sectors, such as health, education, the provision of goods and services etc.
important If you choose to complain to these specialized authorities first, you must be careful not to miss procedural deadlines for filing the complaint in court, which in some cases is the only authority that can decisively resolve your discrimination case and award compensation.
Compensation of damages
The person who has been discriminated against, whether in private or public sector, has the right for compensation for material as well as moral damages through court procedures. In employment, compensation can also be determined by a labour dispute committee of the particular region or in the course of the mediation proceedings facilitated by the Chancellor of Justice.
Criminal sanctions
Discrimination on the basis of his or her nationality, race, colour, sex, language, origin, religion, sexual orientation, political opinion, financial or social status or genetic risks is punishable under the Penal Code. Punishment can be a fine or detention. Sexual harassment is also punishable under the Penal Code. The complaints must be submitted to the police.
Complaints to international human rights bodies
If you think that the violation of your rights has not been remedied by Estonian institutions or courts, you should submit a complaint to international and European institutions, such as the European Court of Human Rights or the UN Human Rights Committee.
About this section
This section of the Guide will explain, how and where to complain about discrimination, and where to seek help.
Read more about the complaint procedures: