Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner
Overview:
The Equality Commissioner is an independent and impartial official, an expert who monitors compliance with the requirements of the Gender Equality Act and the Equal Treatment Act. The Commissioner carries out surveillance in both the public and private sectors.
Any persons who suspect that they have been discriminated against – due to their sex, nationality (ethnic origin), race or skin colour, religion, views, age, disability or sexual orientation – can consult the Equality Commissioner. The Office of the Commissioner can also assist if persons have been treated less favourably due to their being a parent or having family obligations, or because they belong to a trade union.
Brief history
The Commissioner’s institution was created with the Gender Equality Act that came into force May 01, 2004. Until September 01, 2009, the Commissioner’s institution was responsible only for gender equality. The mandate of the Commissioner was broadened with the coming into force of the Equal Treatment Act (01 September 2009). Since then the Commissioner deals with all discrimination grounds listed in the two Acts.
Mandate Type
Combined tribunal-type and promotion-type
Litigation power:
- Bringing proceedings in own name
- Formally deciding on complaints (e.g. decision or recommendation addressed to the parties) Not legally binding
- Commissioner cannot represent clients in front of courts but can participate as advisor of one of the parties.
Activities
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities aimed at supporting vulnerable groups ( e.g. through trainings ) | |||||||||||
| Activities aimed at supporting duty bearers such as employers and service providers (e.g. through trainings, guidance material, practical support, etc.) | |||||||||||
| Communication activities (e.g. awareness raising campaigns) | |||||||||||
| Recommendations on discrimination issues | |||||||||||
| Publications and reports | |||||||||||
| Research projects (including surveys) |
Our institution has a mandate to deal with:
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
Other statistics:
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of inquiries handled per year (all contact even if not resulting in a formal complaint) | 288 | 358 | 394 | 403 | 471 | 209 | 332 | 343 | 304 | 308 | |
| Number of cases handled per year (case files opened and processed according to your procedures) | 47 | 90 | 32 | 116 | 196 | 209 | 332 | 343 | 304 | 308 | |
| Number of media appearances per year (major newspapers/magazines/websites/blogs, TV + radio channels) - does not include social media | 48 | 71 | 59 | 69 | 131 | 254 |
Management
- Single headed equality body (led by director or ombudsman/commissioner)
Procedure for nomination and appointment of management and board
The Commissioner is appointed for 5 years by the Minister of Social Affair
Number of staff dealing with equality issues
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
Grounds and fields of discrimination covered by the equality body
| Grounds / Fields | Employment | Education | Housing | Social Protection & Healthcare | Goods and Services | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||||||
| Gender Identity | ||||||
| Race and Ethnic Origin | ||||||
| Age | ||||||
| Disability | ||||||
| Sexual Orientation | ||||||
| Religion & Belief |
Mandate covers:
- Public sector
- Private sector
Operating budget in euros
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60136 | 60786 | 134828 | 235952 | 16711625 | 180049 | 393659 | 172077 | 460000 | 38300 |
Operating budget in euros for the parts of the organisation dealing with equality issues (all types of functions)
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60136 | 60786 | 134828 | 235952 | 167116 | 180049 | 393659 | 172077 | 46000 | 38300 |
We are accountable to
- National Parliament
- National audit institution (i.e. for financial reporting)
Full name in English
Gender Equality and Equal Treatment CommissionerFull name in the national language(s):
Soolise võrdõiguslikkuse ja võrdse kohtlemise volinikPostal address
Roosikrantsi 8b, 10119 Tallinn