The right to non-discrimination

Последно ажурирана на Понеделник, 30/08/2021

Fair treatment and non-discrimination is a fundamental right in the European Union. However, discrimination still exists in many forms, and it’s not always easy to identify.

The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to fight discrimination.

Equality is a core value of the EU. It's illegal to discriminate 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. 

This right is enshrined by the Treaty establishing the European Union and in article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. All EU countries have also made commitments under the European Convention on Human Rights. 

Recognise different forms of discrimination

Direct discrimination happens when a person is treated less favourably than others because of their racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Basically, it’s when you’re treated differently simply because of who you are. For example: when a shop owner refuses to hire suitably qualified applicants simply because they are of a certain ethnic origin. 

Indirect discrimination happens when apparently neutral rules, policies or practices which applies to everyone in the same way disadvantage people on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. For example, an administration that bans its staff from wearing headwear when serving customers would effectively discriminate certain groups on religious grounds, such as many Muslim women.

Check this glossary about your rights!

Know your rights

Now that you know how to recognise the forms it can take, find out the rights you have in relation to discrimination here. 

If your rights have been violated, you typically need to address the relevant authority in your country or the country where the violations took place. The national equality body in your country of residence is best adapted to handle individual cases of discrimination and the most likely to be able to help you, or to redirect you. 

Discover how to report a breach of your rights and read more about making a complaint at national level.