A survey conducted by the Commission for Protection against Discrimination (CPD) analyzed the manifestations of economic discrimination in Bulgaria during November and December 2024. Out of 592 respondents, 53.7% reported experiencing some form of discrimination. Employment proved a primary area of concern, with 47.8% citing discrimination during hiring and 33.1% regarding compensation.
Further labor market issues noted included discrimination when receiving additional benefits (32.6%) and concerning working conditions (26.1%). The CPD study revealed that discrimination is also encountered when accessing essential services; 36.5% reported issues with healthcare, education, and social care provision. Other reported areas of economic discrimination include pricing of goods/services (27.2%), public procurement (27.9%), and financial institution dealings (25.4%).
The survey identified several vulnerable groups most affected by discrimination, including older workers (53.8%), ethnic minorities (50.4%), and people with disabilities (36.1%). Regarding the causes, 51.4% of respondents attributed the root cause to the imposition of negative perceptions toward certain groups. The CPD recommended strengthening non-discrimination regulations, enhancing public awareness campaigns, and implementing regional measures to improve service and job access.
The CPD stated that the primary focus for protection proceedings remains the right to work on various grounds.
Topics: #discrimination #when #cpd
