Against discrimination. Towards a more open society

The new anti-discrimination law implemented in July 2003 in Sweden gives the Ombudsman against ethnic discrimination (DO), the Disability Ombudsman (HO) and the Ombudsman against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation (HomO) more power to enforce respect for the rights of those they were set up to protect. The three have been jointly requested by the Government to make people aware of the new law and have launched the Against discrimination. Towards a more open society campaign. The aim is both to inform and to encourage people to complain if they experience discrimination.

"We all have to work hard to become aware of our own prejudices .... and not to judge (people) on the basis of group characteristics. The person who succeeds in seeing the individual will be able to avoid discrimination."

MARGARETA WADSTEIN, OMBUDSMAN AGAINST ETHNIC DISCRIMINATION

The campaign consists of a mixture of adverts, pamphlets and an Internet site. A special team of lawyers has also been formed to visit interest groups, companies and other organisations to give presentations on the new law.

In addition, it is planned to conduct a survey, with support from the action

programme, to measure the impact of the information campaigns which are being undertaken. The target group for this includes trade unions, employer organisations, banks, insurance companies, restaurants, catering firms and housing associations.

"The right not to be subjected to unjust treatment because of one’s sexual orientation ... is a basic human right, not a negotiable concession."

HANS YTTERBERG, OMBUDSMAN AGAINST DISCRIMINATION ON GROUNDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION

For information, contact Louise Westerdhal at louise.westerdhal@do.se