Krstinić Dalibor, Stefanović Nenad

Discrimination in the field of employment and recruitment constitutes a violation of personality rights guaranteed by civil law. In the Republic of Serbia, direct and indirect discrimination in employment relationships and during the recruitment process is prohibited, and injured parties have access to judicial protection under special anti-discrimination regulations as well as under the general rules of civil law. This paper analyzes the normative framework for the prohibition of discrimination in the field of labour, as well as civil-law protection mechanisms, with particular emphasis on the right of the injured party to claim compensation for non-pecuniary damage resulting from the violation of their rights. In light of Article 21, paragraph 4 of the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia: “Special measures introduced by the Republic of Serbia for the purpose of achieving full equality shall not be considered discrimination…” – socalled affirmative measures – the paper also presents the forms of judicial protection (actions for prohibition, removal of consequences, determination of discrimination, compensation for damages, etc.) and the conditions under which the injured party may seek equitable satisfaction. The paper relies on relevant judicial practice in Serbia, including decisions of the Supreme Court of Cassation, which confirm that discriminatory conduct constitutes a violation of honour, reputation, dignity, and other personal rights that enjoy judicial protection, both through claims for cessation of the violation and claims for damages. Despite progress in normative and institutional protection, practical challenges remain – from proving discrimination under special rules on the burden of proof, to inconsistencies in judicial practice regarding the awarding of non-pecuniary damages. Therefore, it is important to continuously improve the application of the law and awareness of the right to equal treatment in employment relationships, in order to ensure that civil-law protection against discrimination is effective and comprehensive.