• Epiney Astrid

• Frei Nula

This course will NOT be streamed in the academic year 2025/26 due to its interactive character.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to European Anti-Discrimination Law, examining its theoretical foundations, legal frameworks, and practical applications. It begins with the philosophical and human rights principles of equality and human dignity, then introduces the major international, Council of Europe, and EU sources of anti-discrimination protection. Students will study the key legal definitions of discrimination, including direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation, instructions to discriminate, and discriminatory violence.

The course explores justification of unequal treatment under both the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and EU law, analysing when differences in treatment may be considered legitimate and proportionate. Dedicated modules focus on specific protected grounds, such as gender, race and ethnicity, disability, age, religion or belief, and sexual orientation, highlighting case law and evolving standards of protection. Students will also investigate the concepts of intersectionality and multiple discrimination.

Finally, the course examines the scope and enforcement of European anti-discrimination law, including procedural rights, remedies, and the role of equality bodies. Through case studies, simulations, legal texts, and voluntary case-law presentations, students will develop critical skills for identifying discriminatory practices, assessing justifications, and applying legal principles to real-world contexts.

Attention: The course takes place on Mondays from 12h00 to 15h00 (without lunch break).

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the theoretical basis of equality and non-discrimination in Europe.
• Distinguish between direct, indirect, and other forms of discrimination.
• Identify and analyse discrimination across protected grounds.
• Assess when unequal treatment can be justified.
• Apply ECHR, EU law, and case law to practical scenarios.
• Reflect on intersectionality and multiple discrimination.
• Understand enforcement mechanisms and remedies.

Oral exam

The course takes place on Mondays from 12h15 to 15h00 (without lunch break).

Documentation will be made available on «moodle».

Oral exam