11. Apr 2012
Profile on Ms. Sunniva Ørstavik Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombud of Norway
Ms. Sunniva Ørstavik is presently the Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombud of Norway. She has a Masters degree in sociology from the University of Oslo, Norway, specializing in the Welfare state and social politics. She has held the post as Ombud since 1st January 2010. Prior to this, she has been the Secretary General of the Norwegian Council for Mental Health. Her interests and work experience have centered around issues of health, welfare and equality.
The mandate of the Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombud calls for the active promotion of equality and to work against all forms of discrimination regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, dis/ability, sexual orientation and age.
The Ombud enforces the Equality and Anti-discrimination and related Acts and provides counseling. The Ombud also works with the exchange of knowledge and experience nationally and internationally and oversees Norway’s compliance with the UN CEDAW and CERD conventions.