Human Rights

What is discrimination? 

Discrimination is the act of excluding, restricting, limiting, omitting, diminishing, or separating individuals or groups based on prejudices of race, social class, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender. It often involves denying or restricting the rights of one or more individuals, which can constitute a hate crime. Legal punishments may be applied in such cases, as outlined in the law, which you can read here.

Is Discrimination a Crime in Portugal? 

Yes, discrimination can be considered a crime in Portugal if it meets the criteria outlined in the Penal Code, which you can read here. Racial, religious, or sexual discrimination is punishable under the law. In cases where discrimination does not meet the criteria for a criminal prosecution, it may still be considered an administrative offence and addressed by the Commission for Equality and Against Racial Discrimination (CICDR).​ 

What is the CICDR?

The  Commission for Equality and Against Racial Discrimination (CICDR) operates under the High Commission for Migration (ACM). Its mission is to prevent, prohibit, and address discriminatory practices based on racial and ethnic origin, colour, nationality, ancestry, and territorial origin. If you have experienced discrimination or are aware of a discriminatory situation, you can file a complaint with the CICDR. Complaints can be submitted electronically, by email at cicdr@acm.gov.pt, or by phone at +351 218 106 100.

What is gender equality?

Gender equality refers to equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation. It encompasses access to healthcare, education, employment, income, social and political participation, and freedoms. Gender equality also entails the right of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals to live free from all forms of oppression.

Municipal Plans for Equality have been established to address inequality in society. These plans serve as instruments for planning public policies for equality at the local level. They are designed to address gender disparities identified through gender diagnoses carried out locally. The Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG) coordinates these plans.

What is the Municipal Plan for Equality of Fundão?

Municipal Plan for Equality and Non-Discrimination

What is the CIG?

The Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG) is the national body responsible for promoting and defending the fundamental principle of equality between women and men, as outlined in the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic. Promoting gender equality is an essential task of the State, and the CIG endeavours to respond to profound social and political changes regarding citizenship and gender equality.

Can I report Gender Equality Discrimination?

Discriminatory practices based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity should be reported. In Portugal, there are three associations with specialised offices that support victims of discrimination within the LGBTI+ community:

• Casa Qui in Lisbon, by email to gav@casa-qui.pt

• Associação Plano i in Matosinhos, by email to gis@associacaoplanoi.org

• ILGA Portugal in Lisbon, by email to sav@ilga-portugal.pt 

The CIG has an electronic complaint form. The complaint can also be submitted by email to cig@cig.gov.pt or by post to Rua Almeida Brandão, 7, 1200-602 Lisbon, Portugal.