Promoting equality and tackling discrimination

The task of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman is to promote equality and to prevent and tackle discrimination. The task of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman consists of evaluating and ensuring that the rights and legal protection of people are enforced as equally as possible. The duties and rights of the Ombudsman are stated in the Non-Discrimination Act and the Act on the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman.

The Non-Discrimination Act provides the Ombudsman with many different ways to tackle discrimination and promote equality. In practice, the work of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman includes guidance, the investigation of individual cases, negotiating reconciliation, training, gathering information, and influencing legislation and the practices of authorities. The Ombudsman may also take an individual case of discrimination to the National Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal or court. The Ombudsman cooperates closely with stakeholders and does advocacy work to promote equality, prevent and tackle discrimination.

You can contact the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman if you have experienced or witnessed discrimination based on age, origin, nationality, language, religion, belief, opinion, political activity, trade union activity, family relations, state of health, disability, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.