What can I do if I am discriminated against?
You can sue — and the burden of proof lies with the one who discriminated. Under the Anti-Discrimination Act, anyone who believes their rights, legally protected interests or freedoms have been affected by a breach of the principle of equal treatment may seek protection in court. Your strongest weapon: the burden of proof is reversed. It is enough to put before the court facts from which it can reasonably be concluded that the principle was breached — and then it is for the person who discriminated to prove that they did not breach it. The claim can seek an apology and compensation for non-pecuniary harm. You can be represented by a lawyer, but also by the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights.
📋 The rules
- Protection is sought in court under the Anti-Discrimination Act
- The burden of proof is reversed
- It is enough to present facts supporting a reasonable inference
- You can claim an apology and non-pecuniary damages
- The Human Rights Centre can represent you
🔓 Exceptions
- The Centre is the statutory equality body and gives free legal advice
- The claim must truthfully describe the decisive facts and identify the evidence
- It must state clearly what you are seeking — an apology or compensation
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Discrimination is not dealt with by an official fine but by a claim — which is exactly why the reversed burden of proof is the most important thing to know about it. You do not have to prove that you were discriminated against; it is enough to present facts from which that can be reasonably inferred — and then the other side must prove the opposite. Collect the evidence: job adverts with age or gender restrictions, correspondence, witnesses. The claim must truthfully describe the decisive facts, identify the evidence and state clearly what you seek. And remember that the Centre can represent you and gives free advice.
📎 Official sources
- Slovak National Centre for Human Rights →
- Slov-Lex · Anti-Discrimination Act (365/2004) →
- Human Rights Guide SK · Discrimination →
❓ Frequently asked
Who has to prove the discrimination?
Not you. The burden of proof is reversed — it is enough to put before the court facts from which a breach of equal treatment can reasonably be inferred. The one who discriminated must then disprove it.
What can I claim?
An apology, and compensation in money for non-pecuniary harm. The claim must state clearly what you are seeking, otherwise the court will call on you to supplement it.
Who can represent me?
Besides a lawyer or another person of your choice, the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights, which is required by law to give legal assistance to victims of discrimination and intolerance.
Does the Centre give free advice?
Yes. Under the Anti-Discrimination Act the Centre is the statutory equality body and provides free legal advice in cases of discrimination and breaches of equal treatment.
What must the claim contain?
The parties' identifying details, a truthful description of the decisive facts, identification of the evidence, and a clear statement of what you seek — an apology or compensation.
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