Overview:
The task of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman is to advance equality in Finland and to prevent and tackle discrimination. The Non-Discrimination Ombudsman is an independent and autonomous authority. You can turn to the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman if you have experienced or witnessed discrimination on the basis of age, ethnic or national origin, nationality, language, religion, belief, opinion, political activity, trade union activism, family connections, state of health, disability, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics.
Brief history
The Non-Discrimination Ombudsman was founded 1.1.2015. when the new Non-Discrimination act came to force. Before the ombudsman was named “Ombudsman for minorities” and had only mandate to tackle ethnic discrimination.
Mandate Type
Predominantly promotion-type and legal support body
Litigation power:
- Representing in front of courts
- Bringing proceedings in own name
- Intervening before the court
- Formally deciding on complaints (e.g. decision or recommendation addressed to the parties) Not legally binding
Activities
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities aimed at supporting vulnerable groups ( e.g. through trainings ) | |||||||||||
| Activities aimed at supporting duty bearers such as employers and service providers (e.g. through trainings, guidance material, practical support, etc.) | |||||||||||
| Communication activities (e.g. awareness raising campaigns) | |||||||||||
| Recommendations on discrimination issues | |||||||||||
| Publications and reports | |||||||||||
| Research projects (including surveys) |
Our institution has a mandate to deal with:
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
- Hate speech
Other statistics:
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of inquiries handled per year (all contact even if not resulting in a formal complaint) | |||||||||||
| Number of cases handled per year (case files opened and processed according to your procedures) | |||||||||||
| Number of media appearances per year (major newspapers/magazines/websites/blogs, TV + radio channels) - does not include social media |
Management
- Single headed equality body (led by director or ombudsman/commissioner)
Management details
Non-Discrimination Ombudsman is the head of office with the independent right to choose employées and prioritise.
Procedure for nomination and appointment of management and board
The Non-Discrimination Obudsman is appointed By the Government.
Number of staff dealing with equality issues
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grounds and fields of discrimination covered by the equality body
| Grounds / Fields | Employment | Education | Housing | Social Protection & Healthcare | Goods and Services | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||||||
| Gender Identity | ||||||
| Race and Ethnic Origin | ||||||
| Age | ||||||
| Disability | ||||||
| Sexual Orientation | ||||||
| Religion & Belief |
Opinion, political activity, trade union activism, family connections, state of health, other personel characteristics.
Mandate covers:
- Public sector
- Private sector
Operating budget in euros
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1741000 | 1730000 |
Operating budget in euros for the parts of the organisation dealing with equality issues (all types of functions)
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 950000 | 1050000 |
We are accountable to
- National Parliament
Full name in English
Non-Discrimination OmbudsmanFull name in the national language(s):
Yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettu - DiskrimineringsombudsmannenPostal address
http://www.syrjinta.fi/en/