Discrimination: How to Recognize and Counter It in Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova

Discrimination is not just an abstract concept from human rights textbooks. It is a daily reality for many people. Understanding its forms and knowing how to fight back is key to building a more just society. This is especially relevant for countries undergoing the complex path of European integration and democratic reforms, including Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova.
What is Discrimination? Definition and Signs
Discrimination is a violation of the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of a person or group of people because of their belonging to a particular social category.
Key signs:
Behavior or decision (refusal, restriction, preference).
A prohibited ground (the characteristic upon which the oppression is based).
Comparison with another person (who is in a similar situation but does not have that characteristic).
Prohibited grounds in the legislation of most countries:
Race, skin color, ethnic origin
Sex, gender identity
Age
Disability
Citizenship
Religious beliefs
Sexual orientation
Political views
Social status, property status
Place of residence
Language of communication
Important: Discrimination can be not only direct (an open refusal) but also indirect (a neutral rule that puts a particular group at a disadvantage).
Real-Life Examples in the Context of Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova
Each country has its own specific challenges related to historical, social, and cultural contexts.
🇺🇦 Ukraine:
Language Discrimination: A requirement to communicate only in Ukrainian in the service sector to a Russian-speaking client (or vice versa—refusing service if an employee doesn’t speak Russian). Since the start of the full-scale war, manifestations of discrimination against citizens of Russia have also intensified.
Discrimination against IDPs: Refusal to rent housing or hire someone due to their status as an internally displaced person from the east of Ukraine.
Discrimination against People with Disabilities: The lack of ramps or elevators in government institutions, making access to services impossible.
🇦🇲 Armenia:
Gender Discrimination: Traditional gender role distribution can lead to women being denied employment in “non-female” leadership positions or in the IT sector. Sexual harassment at work is a common problem.
Discrimination against Yazidis and other minorities: Representatives of national minorities may face difficulties in accessing quality education and healthcare, as well as societal prejudices.
🇬🇪 Georgia:
Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community: One of the most acute problems. This can range from open aggression to hidden discrimination in hiring, renting housing, or receiving services in establishments.
Ethnic Discrimination (Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Meskhetian Turks): Difficulties with integration, receiving education in one’s native language, and having equal access to public services.
🇲🇩 Moldova:
Discrimination against Roma: The most vulnerable group, facing discrimination in all spheres: from access to education and healthcare to employment and housing.
Discrimination against People with Disabilities: Similar to Ukraine, physical barriers and social stereotypes limit full participation in society.
Political Discrimination: In some cases, bias based on political views can occur, especially in the context of a society divided between pro-European and pro-Russian camps.
Algorithm of Actions: How to Counter Discrimination?
If you have witnessed or been a victim of discrimination, you need to act clearly and consistently.
Step 1: Document the Fact
Gather evidence: This is the most important step. Document everything.
Audio and video recordings (on a phone recorder, surveillance cameras in an establishment).
Screenshots of correspondence, job postings with discriminatory requirements.
Witnesses: Record the contacts of people who saw or heard everything.
Written refusals: If you are refused, try to get a written explanation with a signature and stamp.
Step 2: Appeal to the Violator’s Management
Write an official complaint to the head of the company, establishment, or institution. Indicate the date, time, circumstances, provide evidence, and refer to the laws of your country (e.g., the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention and Counteraction to Discrimination”). Demand an internal investigation and that those responsible be held accountable. Submit the complaint in writing with a receipt stamp or by registered mail.
Step 3: Appeal to State Authorities
If the internal investigation did not help or the violator is a government agency, contact specialized bodies:
Ukraine: The Ombudsman’s Office, The Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights.
Armenia: The Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) of Armenia.
Georgia: The Office of the Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia.
Moldova: The Center for Human Rights of Moldova, The Ombudsman.
You can also contact the police or the prosecutor’s office to initiate a criminal or administrative case.
Step 4: Contacting Civil Society Organizations
Numerous NGOs specialize in protecting the rights of various groups in each country:
Human rights centers (e.g., “La Strada” in Moldova and Ukraine).
Organizations protecting LGBTQ+ rights.
Foundations assisting people with disabilities.
Ethnic associations.
They can provide free legal assistance, represent your case in court, and attract public attention.
Step 5: Engaging the Media and Social Networks
Publicity is a powerful tool. Contacting journalists or publishing your story (with evidence) on social networks often forces the violator to react faster than official complaints. However, this should be done carefully, with safety in mind.
Step 6: Judicial Protection
The final tool is to file a lawsuit in court for compensation for moral and material damages. This is the most difficult path, requiring a qualified lawyer, but it often allows not only to defend one’s rights but also to create an important precedent.
Conclusion
The fight against discrimination is not only a matter for lawyers and activists. It is the daily practice of each of us:
To be aware and able to recognize discrimination.
Not to remain silent when you witness it.
To support those who have suffered.
To cultivate in ourselves and those around us respect for diversity and equality.
The legislation of Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova generally complies with European standards in the field of anti-discrimination. The main challenge is changing public consciousness and guaranteeing the real, not just on-paper, implementation of these laws. Every act of resistance makes your countries one step closer to a truly fair society.