Indicator history

In conjunction with the adoption of the new Anti-discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567), which came into force 1 January 2009, a new agency was established by merging the four previous anti-discrimination ombudsmen: the Equality Ombudsman (DO). The Equality Ombudsman is mandated to supervise compliance with the Anti-discrimination Act, to combat discrimination and promote equal rights and opportunities for everyone. A central task for DO is to investigate complaints of discrimination. This may include representing the victim of discrimination in settlement proceedings or, ultimately, in a court of law. The Ombudsman can also, for example, make independent surveys, reports and recommendations. The purpose of having a single Ombudsman on anti-discrimination issues is that it will ensure a more effective and powerful monitoring of compliance with the Act. This merger is also expected to improve the conditions for dealing with cases of multiple discrimination. The Equality Ombudsman can apply to the new Board against Discrimination for a financial penalty to be ordered against employers and education providers that do not fulfil their obligation to take active measures.