Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombud
Overview:
The Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombud shall combat discrimination and promote equality in all areas in society, regarding the following discrimination grounds; gender, ethnicity, language, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender Identity and gender Expression, and age in work life. The Ombud handles individual discrimination cases, gives statements whether discrimination has happened. The Ombud gives legal guidance to individuals experiencing discrimination, companies and Public agencies about their duties to work for equality. The Ombud has a certain role monitoring the Government’s compliance With the UN convetions, CEDAW, CERD and CRPD.
Brief history
The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud was established by an act of Parliament, the 1. January 2006. The Ombud is a result of a merge between the former Gender Equality Ombud, the Gender Equality Center and the Center for combating ethnic discrimination. The intention was to establish one, strong Equality Body, working with all protected grounds, in all areas in society, also multiple discrimination.
The Ombud’s mandate has been increased througout the years, now including a wide range of discrimination grounds, latest from 1. January 2014; sexual orientation, gender Identity and gender expression in all areas of society.
The Ombud is a Public agency, organised and financed under the Ministry of Children and equality. The Ombud is free from instructions from the Government.
Mandate Type
Combined tribunal-type and promotion-type
Litigation power:
- 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:
- Violence against women
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
- Hate speech
- CERD and CEDAW
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) | 1657 | 1744 | 1706 | 1632 | 1721 | 1974 | |||||
| Number of cases handled per year (case files opened and processed according to your procedures) | 318 | 247 | 176 | 186 | 217 | 225 | |||||
| Number of media appearances per year (major newspapers/magazines/websites/blogs, TV + radio channels) - does not include social media | 4000 | 2000 | 1900 |
Management
- Single headed equality body (led by director or ombudsman/commissioner)
Management details
The Ombudsperson is appointed by the Government, for a periode of six years, without reappointment. The management of the Office is led by the Ombud and five leaders; heads of the five departments.
Additional details
The Ombud’s Office is organised with four departments; Guidance, monitoring, communication and administration. Several projects are organised in cooperation between the various departments.
Procedure for nomination and appointment of management and board
The Ombud nominates and appoints her or his own staff;including the management. The staff and management are public servants. Their appointment cannot be terminated when a new Ombud has been appointed.
Number of staff dealing with equality issues
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 52 | 55 | 55 | 58 | 58 | 53 | 40 | 40 | 43 |
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 |
Mandate covers:
- Public sector
- Private sector
Operating budget in euros
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6500000 | 6500000 | 6500000 | 6500000 | 6400000 | 5000 | 5300 | 4700 | 4300 | 4976 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6200000 | 6200000 | 6200000 | 6200000 | 6100000 | 5000 | 5300 | 4700 | 4300 | 4976 |
We are accountable to
- National Ministry
Full name in English
The Equality and Anti-Discrimination OmbudFull name in the national language(s):
Likestillings- og diskrimineringsombudetPostal address
Postboks 9297 Grønland,
0134 Oslo
for invoices:
Likestillings- og diskrimineringsombudet
Fakturamottak DFØ
Postboks 4746
7468 TRONDHEIM