1. The work of the Swedish Equality Ombudsman Mattias Falk, International secretary www.do.se, do@do.se, +46 (0) 8-120 20 700

2. Page 2 The Equality Ombudsman – Profile  A governmental agency formed on 1 January 2009  Has replaced four previous anti-discrimination ombudsmen  The main task is combating discrimination and promoting equal rights and opportunities

3. Page 3 The Equality Ombudsman – Profile (2/3)  Ms. Agneta Broberg is the Ombudsman and Director- General of the agency  An Advisory Council (appointed by the agency)  Ca 100 staff members  Budget of 95 million SEK (ca 11 million EUR)

4. Page 4 The Equality Ombudsman – profile (3/3)  Member of the European Network of Equality bodies (Equinet)  Accredited as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), with ”B”-status

5. Page 5 The principal of equal treatment – a fundamental human right “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” (Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

6. Page 6 Unlawful discrimination Higher education Goods and services Children and pupils Human Rights/EU-law 1971 1980 1994-99 One law – one ombudsman Working life 2001200320062009 Antidiscrimination legislation

7. Page 7 Grounds of discrimination covered by the Discrimination Act (2008:567)  Gender  Transgender identity or expression  Ethnicity  Religion or other belief  Disability  Sexual Orientation  Age (in employment and education)

8. Page 8 Main areas covered by the Discrimination Act  Working life  Education  Goods and services –Shops, restaurants, housing, insurance, loans –National Social Insurance System –Health and medical care –Social Services

9. Page 9 A closer look at the Discrimination Act  The prohibition of discrimination –Direct discrimination –Indirect discrimination –Harassment –Victimisation (retaliation)  Obligation to investigate and stop harassment from others –Employment –Education  Obligation to take proactive measures –Employment –Education

10. Page 10 Related legislation – the Parental Leave Act (1995:584) Ban on unfavourable treatment in connection with parental leave:  employment/dismissal.  promotion, training for promotion.  vocational training on-the-job.  salary terms, other terms of employment.

11. Page 11 Tasks of the Equality Ombudsman  Monitor compliance with the statutory prohibitions of discrimination and unfavourable treatment due to parental leave. –Investigate individual complaints. –Bring claims for compensation (damages) in court.  Monitor compliance with obligation of employers and education providers to take pro-active measures to prevent discrimination.  Provide advice and support.  Promote equal rights and opportunities.  Propose legislative amendments and other anti-discrimination measures to the Government.

12. Roma women are stopped when entering buses, shops or hotels, or denied renting flats. Page 12 To combat discrimination…

13. Page 13 To combat discrimination… 25 percent of homo- or bisexual employees do not feel comfortable about being open about their sexual orientation at work.

14. Page 14 Women (and men) are not allowed to wear headscarves or other signs of their religion or belief. To combat discrimination…

15. Page 15 Elderly people are disadvantaged in employment.

16. Pregnant women are not recruited, or lose their jobs. Pregnant women do not get sick leave benefits if their pregnancy makes it impossible for them to work. Page 16 To combat discrimination…

17. Page 17 To combat discrimination - intersectionality - I want the same salary as my Swedish co-workers! - The men or the women?

18. Page 18 Complaints received 2009-2011 201120102009 Working life 731763807 Education184244192 Health care142169179 Restaurants/shops1021300 Housing61760 Other goods/services134155136 Outside scope of law218648703

19. Page 19 Complaints received 2009-2011 2011 20102009 Sex348386387 Ethnicity and religion/other belief815 862830 Age248291267 Disability563 965900 Gender identity or expression27109 Sexual orientation45 4440 Unfavourable treatment parental leave61 7269 Total2 3532 8922 502