The Equal Opportunity Commission was established by Section 26(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2000, for the purpose of exercising the jurisdiction conferred upon it by that Act. The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) was appointed on the 21st April, 2008 with a mandate to work towards the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality and good relations between persons of different statuses.

The Equal Opportunity Act seeks to protect citizens against discrimination as it relates to employment, education, the provision of goods and services and the provision of accommodation. Under the Act, citizens are entitled to equality and fair treatment for all, despite different racial, ethnic, religious, marital and gender backgrounds. Further, all persons are entitled to equal treatment despite geographical origin or physical disabilities.