According to the Estonian Constitution, the norms stipulated by international treaties which have been ratified have priority over domestic legislation. Estonia has signed and ratified the vast majority of international instruments aimed at combating discrimination.

Article 12 of the Constitution bans discrimination in all spheres of activities which are regulated and protected by the state.

The material scope of the Law on Equal Treatment is identical with that of the Directives for respective grounds. Anti-discrimination requirements are additionally emphasised in the Law on Public Service (public officials).

There are two equality bodies in Estonia: the Chancellor of Justice (mandate from January 2004) and the Commissioner for Gender Equality and Equal Treatment (mandate to deal with grounds other than sex from January 2009).

The Chancellor of Justice is appointed to office by the parliament, on the proposal of the President of Estonia, for a term of seven years. In directing his or her office, the Chancellor has the same rights which are granted by law to a minister in directing a ministry. The Chancellor is independent in his or her decision-making and the office has a budget of its own. The Chancellor of Justice has also responsibilities other that fight against discrimination on any ground.