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Discrimination law in Kaunas, as in the rest of Lithuania, aims to protect individuals from unfair treatment based on specific personal characteristics. Discrimination is prohibited in the workplace, educational institutions, provision of goods and services, and other areas of public life. Although Lithuania is a member of the European Union and aligns with EU anti-discrimination directives, local legislation and institutions also address unique national contexts. Awareness and enforcement of anti-discrimination rights are growing, providing more support for those who believe they have been subjected to unfair or unequal treatment in Kaunas.
If you feel that you have been treated unfairly due to your gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, or other protected grounds, you may require legal help. Common situations where people seek legal advice on discrimination include being passed over for a job or promotion, experiencing harassment in the workplace, facing unfair dismissal, refusal of services, or negative treatment in schools or public institutions. A lawyer can help you understand whether your rights have been violated, guide you on the complaint process, represent you before courts and administrative bodies, and help you seek compensation or other remedies.
In Kaunas, anti-discrimination protections primarily derive from Lithuanian national legislation, especially the Law on Equal Treatment. This law prohibits discrimination based on age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, race, nationality, language, origin, social status, religion, beliefs, and views. It covers employment, education, access to goods and services, and other public relationships. The Labour Code, the Law on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men, and the Law on Education also include anti-discrimination provisions. Local institutions such as the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson provide oversight and accept complaints related to discrimination. Violations can result in compensation for victims and sanctions for offenders.
Discrimination occurs when an individual is treated less favorably than another in a comparable situation based on characteristics like gender, age, race, nationality, religion, disability, or other protected traits.
No, Lithuanian law prohibits discrimination in a wide range of areas, including employment, education, access to goods and services, housing, and healthcare.
Document the incident in detail, collect any evidence (such as emails or witness statements), and consult a qualified lawyer or contact the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson for guidance.
While you generally need to identify yourself to initiate proceedings, your personal information will be protected and only used as necessary for the investigation and legal process.
Yes, there are procedural time limits. Generally, complaints to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson should be filed within three months of the incident, and court claims must be submitted within a specific period as defined by law.
You may be entitled to compensation for moral and material damages, corrections to the discriminatory action, reinstatement to a position, or other remedies as determined by the relevant authority or court.
Yes, Lithuanian anti-discrimination law explicitly includes provisions against harassment and sexual harassment in workplaces and other settings.
You can submit a complaint to the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, which will investigate the case. You may also pursue the matter in court, especially if seeking compensation.
While submitting a complaint to the Ombudsperson is free, court proceedings and private legal services may involve fees. In some cases, legal aid may be available if you meet certain criteria.
Legal professionals and some governmental bodies can provide assistance in English or other languages. Interpretation services may also be arranged during official complaint procedures.
Several organizations and institutions in Lithuania can provide information and support regarding discrimination cases:
If you believe you have experienced discrimination in Kaunas, take the following practical steps:
Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources and professionals in Kaunas ready to support you through the process of addressing discrimination and defending your rights.
