Statements

The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud's statements regarding complaints are not considered legally binding. However if parties who receive a statement against them do not voluntarily adjust their behaviour in accordance with it, the complainant can take the complaint further to the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Tribunal. The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud can also bring the case to the Tribunal on their own initiative. The tribunal’s decisions are legally binding.

Ombud is apolitical and objective

It is important to know that the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud is an impartial authority when it comes to dealing with complaints.

The Ombud is an alternative to going to court in discrimination cases. The Ombud does not act as a legal representative or legal assistant.

If you need legal assistance, you must contact a lawyer or a legal aid initiative or a representative organization in the list to the right.

The Ombud’s urgent decisions

The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud may in exceptional cases make legally binding decisions, cf Discrimination Act, §4. This only happens if a party does not make arrangements in accordance with the Ombud’s original statement, and awaiting the tribunal’s decision will result in inconvenience and negative consequences. In practice, urgent decisions will apply in cases where it emerges at an early stage in the case that there is an obvious breach in legislation, so that the Ombud can quickly make a statement. At the same time, the Ombud will issue a notification that an urgent decision has been made – if the accused party does not make arrangements in accordance with the decision.