This course covers the current principles of equality and non-discrimination at both the international and supranational levels. After studying the emergence and development of international equality law, students will focus on issues such as the concepts of systemic discrimination, strategic litigation and the burden of proof. In this context, students will analyse the theoretical foundations of anti-discrimination law as well as the practical procedures of judicial protection. Emerging issues such as the use of (discriminatory) algorithms, sexual harassment, genetic discrimination and the concept of disability will also be covered.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (09.04.2025)
This course covers the current principles of equality and non-discrimination at both the international and supranational levels. After studying the emergence and development of international equality law, students will focus on issues such as the concepts of systemic discrimination, strategic litigation and the burden of proof. In this context, students will analyse the theoretical foundations of anti-discrimination law as well as the practical procedures of judicial protection. Emerging issues such as the use of (discriminatory) algorithms, sexual harassment, genetic discrimination and the concept of disability will also be covered.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (09.04.2025)
Requirements to the exam -
1. Attendance of at least 70% of the lectures.
2.Optional presentation in class on selected topics and final oral exams. The oral exam verifies the student's knowledge of all lectured topics, the student draws one question from a pre-known set of questions and leads a debate on this topic with the examiner.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (09.04.2025)
1. Attendance of at least 70% of the lectures.
2.Optional presentation in class on selected topics and final oral exams. The oral exam verifies the student's knowledge of all lectured topics, the student draws one question from a pre-known set of questions and leads a debate on this topic with the examiner.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (09.04.2025)
Syllabus -
The course covers primarily the following topics:
1. Introduction to international anti-discrimination law.
2. The historical evolution of the principle of equality.
3. The international conventions to combat discrimination.
4. EU antidiscrimination legislation.
5. Different concepts of discrimination. Judicial protection against discrimination.
6. Gender discrimination.
7. Racial discrimination.
8. Religious discrimination. Discrimination based on sexual orientation.
9. Discrimination on the grounds of age and disability.
10. AI and discrimination. Discriminatory language.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (28.08.2025)
The course covers primarily the following topics:
1. Introduction to international anti-discrimination law.
2. The historical evolution of the principle of equality.
3. The international conventions to combat discrimination.
4. EU antidiscrimination legislation.
5. Different concepts of discrimination. Judicial protection against discrimination.
6. Gender discrimination.
7. Racial discrimination.
8. Religious discrimination. Discrimination based on sexual orientation.
9. Discrimination on the grounds of age and disability.
10. AI and discrimination. Discriminatory language.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (28.08.2025)
Learning resources -
Basic literature:
OPENHEIMER, David, FOSTER, Sheila, HAN, Sora and FORD Richard T. Comparative Equality and Anti-Discrimination Law. Edward Elgar Publishing. 2020. ISBN: 978 1 78897 920 7
FARRIOR, Stephanie. Equality and Non-Discrimination under International Law. 2015. Routledge. ISBN 9781409440703
CHESTERMAN, Simon; MALONE, David a VILLALPANDO, Santiago. The Oxford handbook of United Nations treaties. New York: Oxford University Press, 2019. ISBN 0-19-094787-X.
LAWSON, Anna. European Union Non-Discrimination Law and Intersectionality: Investigating the Triangle of Racial, Gender and Disability Discrimination. Milton: Routledge, 2011. ISBN 9780754679806.
KILIÇ, Muharrem a BOZKUS KAHYAOGLU, Sezer. Algorithmic Discrimination and Ethical Perspective of Artificial Intelligence. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore, 2024. ISBN 981-9963-27-3.
Other literature:
POCAR, Fausto. International human rights institutions and enforcement. Northampton, Massachusetts: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019. ISBN 1-78811-165-6.
MARTIN, Claudia. Human Rights of Older People: Universal and Regional Legal Perspectives. 45. Dordrecht: Springer Nature, 2015. ISBN 9401771855. ISSN 1534-6781.
MCCOLGAN, Aileen. Discrimination, equality and the law. Oxford, United Kingdom: Hart Publishig, 2014. ISBN 9781474200882.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (28.08.2025)
Basic literature:
OPENHEIMER, David, FOSTER, Sheila, HAN, Sora and FORD Richard T. Comparative Equality and Anti-Discrimination Law. Edward Elgar Publishing. 2020. ISBN: 978 1 78897 920 7
FARRIOR, Stephanie. Equality and Non-Discrimination under International Law. 2015. Routledge. ISBN 9781409440703
CHESTERMAN, Simon; MALONE, David a VILLALPANDO, Santiago. The Oxford handbook of United Nations treaties. New York: Oxford University Press, 2019. ISBN 0-19-094787-X.
LAWSON, Anna. European Union Non-Discrimination Law and Intersectionality: Investigating the Triangle of Racial, Gender and Disability Discrimination. Milton: Routledge, 2011. ISBN 9780754679806.
KILIÇ, Muharrem a BOZKUS KAHYAOGLU, Sezer. Algorithmic Discrimination and Ethical Perspective of Artificial Intelligence. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore, 2024. ISBN 981-9963-27-3.
Other literature:
POCAR, Fausto. International human rights institutions and enforcement. Northampton, Massachusetts: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019. ISBN 1-78811-165-6.
MARTIN, Claudia. Human Rights of Older People: Universal and Regional Legal Perspectives. 45. Dordrecht: Springer Nature, 2015. ISBN 9401771855. ISSN 1534-6781.
MCCOLGAN, Aileen. Discrimination, equality and the law. Oxford, United Kingdom: Hart Publishig, 2014. ISBN 9781474200882.
