Greek Ombudsman

Brief history

The Greek Ombudsman is a constitutionally established Independent Authority. It has been in operation since October 1, 1998 and provides its services free of charge.

The Greek Ombudsman mediates between public administration and citizens in order to help citizens in exercising their rights effectively. Additionally, the Greek Ombudsman’s mission is:

• to safeguard and promote children’s rights;
• to combat discrimination and promote the principle of equal treatment irrespective of gender, racial or ethnic origin, family or social status, religion or belief, disability or chronic illness, age, sexual orientation and gender identity.

The most recent amendment of the national legal framework for equal treatment, with Law 4443/2016, assigned to the Greek Ombudsman the overall competence against discrimination, extending its competencies to both the public and the private sector in the field of employment for all grounds of discrimination.

The previous major milestones, in terms of the Greek Ombudsman’s mandate with regard to equal treatment, are the following:
• Law 3304/2005, in compliance with Council Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC: For the implementation and promotion of the principle of equal treatment irrespective of race or national origin, religion or other beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation in the public sector;
•Law 3769/2009, in compliance with Council Directive 2004/113/EC: For the monitoring and promotion of the implementation of the principle of equal treatment between men and women as regards access to goods and services in the public sector; 
• Law 3896/2010 in compliance with Council directive 2006/54/EC: For the monitoring of the implementation of the principle of equal treatment between men and women in both the private and public sectors.

Mandate Type

Predominantly tribunal-type (quasi-judicial) body

Litigation power:

• Formally deciding on complaints (e.g. decision or recommendation addressed to the parties) Not legally binding

Activities

Other statistics:

Management

• Single headed equality body (led by director or ombudsman/commissioner)

Management details

The Greek Ombudsman is supported by 6 Deputy Ombudsmen who head the following departments:

• Department of Human Rights;
• Department of Health and Social Welfare;
• Department of the Quality of Life (environment, urban planning, land use, public works, etc.);
• Department of State-Citizen Relations (quality of services provided, maladministration),
• Department of Children’s Rights;
• Department of Equal Treatment.

Number of staff dealing with equality issues

Grounds and fields of discrimination covered by the equality body

Family or social status

Mandate covers:

• Public sector
• Private sector

We are accountable to

• National Parliament