Anyone who suspects that she/he has been discriminated against – due to gender, nationality (ethnic origin), race or skin colour, religion, views, age, disability or sexual orientation – can submit an application to the Commissioner and receive an opinion. The purpose of an opinion is to provide an assessment whether the principle of equal treatment has been violated in a submitted case.

The Commissioner cannot:

The Commissioner can only carry out those tasks which are allowed to do under the law. 

Therefore, it cannot:

  • provide a binding opinion for the parties of the discrimination dispute
  • revoke or change decisions of courts or state institutions
  • re-examine the cases of courts
  • punish state officials or private individuals
  • grant compensation to you due to discrimination

Human Rights Guide

A European platform for human rights education