Konstitucinis lygiateisiškumo principas: samprata ir institucinė lygiateisiškumo apsaugos sistema Lietuvoje

Abstract

The article presents the concept of constitutional principle of equality, reveals the content of this concept and the analysis of international and national laws relating to equality of rights and the prohibition of discrimination. Equal rights is an universal principle enshrined not only in Lithuania, but also in the constitutions of various countries and international law. Equality is a fundamental constitutional principle, which must direct the laws and their application, and the administration of justice. In addition, the principle of equality applies not only to individuals but also to legal persons. Individuals face discrimination when different people or situations, where there is no difference between them, are interpreted in different way; or the same situations, which are actually different, are interpreted in the same way. In such cases, the principle of equality is infringed. Democratic states seek to ensure the elimination of discrimination and to create effective protection system of people suffering from discrimination. Traditionally, the mission of protecting human rights from discrimination perform courts. In addition, Lithuania has established a specialized institution - The Office of Equal Opportunities Ombudsman. The article presents the possibility of legal protection of equal rights in Lithuania and the competence of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman.