võrdõigusvoliniku

Võrdõigusvolinik (English: Equal Treatment Commissioner) is an independent public office in Estonia established by law to promote and monitor compliance with principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination. The office was created under the national Equal Treatment Act to provide a formal mechanism for preventing discrimination and for assisting people who believe they have experienced unequal treatment.

The commissioner’s core functions include receiving and investigating complaints, offering legal guidance and mediation, conducting fact-finding inquiries, issuing opinions and recommendations to public authorities and employers, and promoting awareness through education and research. The mandate covers discrimination on grounds such as gender, age, disability, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics in areas like employment, education, social protection and access to goods and services.

Working with governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations and international bodies, the office seeks to influence policy and practice to strengthen equality. While the commissioner does not substitute for courts, their findings and recommendations can inform legal proceedings and policy changes. The position typically combines individual case work with broader activities aimed at removing structural barriers to equal treatment and advancing public understanding of anti-discrimination norms.