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.

Governing laws and regulations

Mandate

Sectors covered

Private, Public

Legal standing before the courts

Representing victims of discrimination before the courts, Bringing proceedings in the name of the equality body [with or without an identifiable victim], Intervention in support of a party, Amicus curiae brief or similar

Functions

• Undertaking ex-officio investigations
• Organising training, advising and capacity-building activities for particular stakeholders on meeting their obligations
• Organising awareness raising and communication activities
• Advising government on the development, adoption and amendment of law and policy
• Monitoring national law and policy from an equality perspective
• Reporting to national and international bodies on discrimination issues
• Networking with relevant entities in the country and internationally

Fields and grounds

Other functions

Addressing violence against women, Addressing hate speech

Other mandates of the institution

Multi-mandate equality body

Office of Ombudsman

Institution

Management and Appointments

Management

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

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.

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.

Regional or Local offices

This institution does not have regional officies.

Accountability

National Ministry