You can complain to the Equality Council if you believe that you have been discriminated against by state officials or institutions, business companies, non-governmental organisations or private persons in the Republic of Moldova.
However, there are some conditions which you have to take into account before submitting a complaint:
The Equality Council cannot examine cases which do not relate to the discrimination.
example The Equality Council cannot examine your complaint if the violation of your right has not took place because of your personal characteristic such as race, ethnicity, language, religion, political views, sexual orientation, opinion, disability, HIV status etc.
The Equality Council cannot examine the decisions or actions of State institutions from other countries or international organizations, as well as violations which took place in other countries.
You cannot complain about a discrimination of another person unless you have a right to represent that person. For this purpose, the person you represent need to provide you with the power of attorney in which your representation powers need to be listed according to the Administrative Code and Civil Code.
example You can complain about the discrimination of another person if you have been granted a power of attorney allowing you to do that or if you have a legal right to represent that person. For example, if you are a parent of a minor or you are a legal guardian.
exception The power of attorney or another representation document is not necessary when a complaint is submitted in the public interest when a large group of persons or a community might have been discriminated. Such a complaint can be submitted by you, trade unions, public associations and other persons who can show that they have a legitimate interest in combating discrimination.
The complaint to the Equality Council shall be filed within one year from the date of the alleged discrimination or from the date when you became aware of the alleged discrimination or should have become aware of it. Complaints lodged after the expiration of these time limitation periods are declared by the Council as inadmissible.
exception In the case of a continuing or prolonged act of discrimination, a complaint to the Equality Council can be submitted during one year from the date of the last act or inaction.