Page 23 - Social_Social justice2

23

Chapter 5 Anti-discrimination laws

5.1 Anti-discrimination laws concept note

Anti-discrimination law in EU is a set of laws regulating protection against discrimination on grounds of
disability, age and gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion and political opinion. Anti-discrimination
law is rooted in the principles of equality and non-discrimination. The concepts of equality and
non-discrimination are separate, albeit functionally linked. The promotion of equality and respect for
human rights is now a fundamental objective of European Union legislation and institutions. The principle
of equality has been a cornerstone of the organisation since its first days, and for the first time has been
developed in the context of gender equality.

In order to fully understand and apply the evolving EU anti-discrimination law, it is necessary both to un-
derstand human rights and to improve cooperation between the EU, the Council of Europe and the UN in
protecting human rights.

These are fundamental principles of the European Union. Every citizen has the right to live a life free from
discrimination. Anti-discrimination laws and measures apply in all EU Member States 1

1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_14_27