võrdõigusvolinik

Võrdõigusvolinik (literally "equal rights commissioner") is an independent public official in Estonia charged with promoting equality and preventing discrimination. The post is commonly referred to in English as the Commissioner for Gender Equality and Equal Treatment or Equality Commissioner. The office monitors implementation of equal treatment legislation, raises public awareness of discrimination issues and advises state and local authorities on policy and legislative measures.

Main functions of the võrdõigusvolinik include providing guidance and information to individuals who believe they have faced discrimination, conducting inquiries and fact-finding activities, issuing non-binding recommendations, and initiating or supporting strategic litigation where appropriate. The commissioner works across multiple grounds of discrimination such as sex, gender identity, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and social status, and covers areas including employment, education, social protection, goods and services, and public life.

Although the office cannot itself impose legally binding sanctions, it plays a key role in identifying systemic problems, proposing legislative changes and cooperating with other state bodies, non-governmental organizations and international equality networks. The võrdõigusvolinik regularly publishes reports, guidance materials and recommendations, and engages in public education to foster inclusion and equal opportunities.

The institution functions as a national focal point for equality issues, aiming to make anti-discrimination norms more accessible and effective in practice while balancing investigative, advisory and advocacy responsibilities within the Estonian legal framework.