Austria 
Austrian Ombud for Equal Treatment

The Austrian Ombud for Equal Treatment (Gleichbehandlungsanwaltschaft) consists of three independent parts established respectively in:
Ombud for Equal Treatment between Women and Men in Employment and Occupation: 1991
Ombud for Equal Treatment irrespective of Ethnic Belonging, Religion or Belief, Age or Sexual Orientation in Employment and Occupation: 2005
Ombud for Equal Treatment irrespective of Ethnic Belonging in other areas: 2005      

Grounds of Discrimination covered:
Central office: gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnic belonging, religion and belief
Regional offices: gender

Tel: +43 1 5320244
gaw@bka.gv.at
www.bmgf.gv.at  

Belgium
Belgian Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism

Initially, support to victims of racial discrimination was the central task of the Centre. Through consecutive Acts of Parliament, the Centre’s mandate was extended: it also became competent for issues related to migration, human trafficking, poverty and non-racial discrimination.

Grounds of discrimination covered: 
so-called race, skin colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, marital status, birth, fortune, age, religious or philosophical conviction, current or future state of health, disability, physical or genetic characteristics, social origin, political conviction

Tél: +32 (0)2 212 30 00
epost@cntr.be
www.diversite.be

Belgium
Belgian Institute for Equality between Men and Women

The Belgian Institute for Equality between Men and Women has, as main objective, to guarantee and foster equality between genders with regard to all aspects of life. This objective has to be achieved through the implementation of a legal framework, structures, strategies, actions and instruments which serve the cause of equality.

Grounds of discrimination covered: Gender.

Tel. 02/233.42.65
egalite.hommesfemmes@meta.fgov.be
www.iefh.fgov.be

Grounds of Discrimination covered: sex; race; nationality; ethnic belonging; human genome; citizenship; origin, religion or belief; education; convictions; political affiliation; personal or public status; disability; age; sexual orientation; family status; property status; any other characteristics established by a law or by an international agreement to which the Republic of Bulgaria is part of.

Tel  +359 (0)2 807 30 30 
kzd@kzd.bg
www.kzd-nondiscrimination.com/ 

Czech Republic
Office of the Public Defender of Rights (Observer)

Grounds of Discrimination covered:

Tel: +420 542 542 888
kancelar@ochrance.cz 
www.ochrance.cz 

Czech Republic
Government Council for Human Rights - Head of the Secretariat (Observer)

Grounds of discrimination covered:

Tel. +420 224 002 111       
posta@vlada.cz

Croatia
Office of the Ombudsman

Grounds of discrimination covered: race or ethnic affiliation or colour, gender, language, religion, political or other belief, national or social origin, property, trade union membership, education, social status, marital or family status, age, health condition, disability, genetic heritage, native identity, expression or sexual orientation 

Tel. +385.1.48.51.855 
ombudsman@inet.hr   
www.ombudsman.hr   

Cyprus
The Office of the Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman)

Based on the powers granted to him/her by the Cyprus legislation, the Commissioner (Ombudsman) initially exercised control only over decisions and actions taken by public administrative authorities. In 2004, though, the Ombudsman’s mandate was extended to also cover the private sector.

Grounds of Discrimination covered:
discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender.

Tel +357 22 405500 
ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.cy
www.ombudsman.gov.cy 

Denmark
Danish Institute for Human Rights

DIHR aim is to “promote equal treatment of all persons without discrimination on the basis of race or ethnic origin, including the provision of assistance to victims of discrimination for having their complaints dealt with, with due regard for the rights of the victims, the associations, the organisation and other legal entities, to initiate independent analyses on discrimination and to make recommendations on issues relating to discrimination".

Grounds of Discrimination covered: race or ethnic origin

The Complaints Committee has the power to address discrimination on the grounds of race and ethnicity only. However, DIHR can and does work with other grounds of discrimination when conducting studies and surveys, giving opinions and making reports.

Tel. : + 45 32 69 88 88  
center@humanrights.dk 
www.humanrights.dk 

Estonia
Estonian Gender Equality Commissioner

The Gender Equality Commissioner is an independent and impartial expert who acts independently, monitors compliance with the requirements of the Gender Equality Act and performs other functions imposed by law.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: sex

Tel: +372 6269 259 
info@svv.ee
www.svv.ee

Finland
Finnish Office of Ombudsman for Minorities

The Ombudsman for Minorities is an authority with the basic task of advancing the status and legal protection of ethnic minorities and foreigners as well as equality and non-discrimination and good ethnic relations in Finland.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman covers the supervision of ethnic discrimination: it does not cover discrimination based on language, sexual orientation, ideology or disability. Countering discrimination on these grounds still belongs to other authorities, mainly the police, Parliamentary Ombudsman and, in working life, to occupational safety and health authorities.

Tel.: +358 160 9 43444 
ofm@ofm.fi 
www.ofm.fi

France
French High Commission against Discrimination and for Equality - Halde

The main tasks of the commission are to support victims of discrimination in their cases, to issue recommendations, carrying out information and communication actions on equality, organising trainings on anti-discrimination laws and practises, collecting and promoting good practises and carrying out studies and reports.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: the HALDE covers all forms of discrimination, both direct and indirect,  foreseen by the French legislation, i.e. Sex, Age, Disability, Race and ethnic origin, Political opinion, Religion and belief, Sexual orientation, Civil status, Trade union membership, Actual or assumed group membership, Physical appearance, Health condition, Pregnancy.

Tel: +33 (0)1 55 31 61 00
contact@halde.fr
www.halde.fr 

Germany
German Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency

The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency gives independent assistance to persons addressing themselves to the Agency in asserting their rights to protection against discrimination. Such assistance may, among other things, involve

1.         providing information concerning claims and possible legal action based on legal provisions providing protection against discrimination;
2.         arranging for advice to be provided by another authority;
3.         endeavouring to achieve an out-of-court settlement between the involved parties.

Where responsibility lies either with a Parliamentary Commissioner of the German Bundestag or a Federal Government Commissioner, the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency passes immediately on the matters of the person, with their prior approval.

The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency and the competent Federal Government Commissioner and Parliamentary Commissioner of the German Bundestag co-operate in cases of discrimination (General Act on Equal Treatment, Section 27)

Grounds of Discrimination covered: race or ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation

Tel. +49(0)3018 555-1855 
poststelle@ads.bund.de
www.antidiskriminierungsstelle.de 

Great Britain
GB Equality and Human Rights Commission – EHRC

The Commission’s General Duty is to exercise its functions with a view to encouraging and supporting the development of a society in which:

(a) peoples ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice or discrimination,
(b) there is respect for and protection of each individuals human rights,
(c) there is respect for the dignity and worth of each individual,
(d) each individual has an equal opportunity to participate in society, and
(e) there is mutual respect between groups based on understanding and valuing of diversity and on shared respect for equality and human rights.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: Age, disability, gender, reassignment of gender, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation

Tel. +44 (0)20 3117 0235  (non helpline calls only)
helpline: 0845 604 6610 (England); 0845 604 5510 (Scotland); 0845 604 8810 (Wales)
info@equalityhumanrights.com
www.equalityhumanrights.com

Greece
The Greek Ombudsman

The Ombudsman’s mission is to mediate between citizens and public services, local authorities, private and public organisations, with a view to protecting citizens' rights, combating maladministration and ensuring respect for the law. The Ombudsman also has the mission of defending and promoting children's rights.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: racial and ethnic origin, age, religious and other beliefs, sexual orientation, disability and gender.

Tel. +30 210 7289600 
synigoros@synigoros.gr 
www.synigoros.gr 

Hungary
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Rights of National and Ethnic Minorities

The Parliamentary Ombudsman for the Rights of National and Ethnic Minorities is responsible for investigating or initiating the investigation of cases involving the infringement of the rights of national or ethnic minorities which come to his attention and initiating general or specific measures for their remedy.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: belonging to a national or ethnic minority.

Tel. +36 1 4757 158
info@kisebbsegiombudsman.hu
www.kisebbsegiombudsman.hu

Hungary
Hungarian Equal Treatment Authority  

Hungarian Equal Treatment Authority (Eta) is an independent organization, which was set up to receive and deal with individual and public complaints on unequal treatment and to implement the principles of equality and non discrimination. The Authority works under the direction of the Minister for Social Affairs and Labour, however ETA is independent in relation to the conduct of its duties.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: sex, racial origin, colour, nationality, national or ethnic origin, mother tongue, disability, state of health, religious or ideological conviction, political or other opinion, family status, motherhood (pregnancy) or fatherhood, sexual orientation, sexual identity, age, social origin, financial status, the part-time nature or definite term of the employment relationship or other relationship related to employment, trade union membership, other status, attribute or characteristic.

Tel. +36-1-336-7843 
ebh@egyenlobanasmod.hu
www.egyenlobanasmod.hu  

Ireland
Irish equality authority

The Irish Equality Authority strives to eliminate discrimination in the workplace and in the provision of goods and services, accomodation and education. It also focus on promoting equal opportunities, on providing information to the public on the legislation and on monitoring it/proposing amendments when necessary.

Grounds covered: Gender, marital status, family status, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion and membership of Traveller community.

Tel. +353 1 4173336
info@equality.ie
www.equality.ie   

Italy
Italian Office against Racial Discrimination- UNAR

The mandate of UNAR is the promotion of equal treatment and combating discrimination based on race or ethnic origins.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: race and ethnic origin, religion.

Tel: +39-06-67792267
antidiscriminazioni@pariopportunita.gov.it
www.pariopportunita.gov.it 

Latvia 
Ombudsman Office of the Republic of Latvia

The Latvian Ombudsman is responsible for the supervisions of the observance of human rights in the Republic of Latvia

Grounds of Discrimination covered: principle of equal treatment (covers all grounds where differential treatment in respect to the persons in similar situations or equal treatment  in respect to the persons in considerably different situations occurs), principle of non-discrimination (covers grounds provided by national law, international and EU law)

Tel. +371 67686768
tiesibsargs@tiesibsargs.lv
www.tiesibsargs.lv

Lithuania
Lithuanian Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman

The Ombudsman shall investigate complaints relating to direct and indirect discrimination and sexual harassment. The Ombudsman shall both report on the implementation of laws and submit recommendations to state, government and administrative institutions of the Republic of Lithuania concerning the revision of legal acts and policy priorities for the implementation of equal rights. Both private and public bodies are subject to the competence of the Ombudsman.

Grounds of discrimination covered: age; sexual orientation; disability; race; nationality; language; origin; social status; religion; belief; convictions and attitudes.

Tel +370 5 2612740 / 5 2612787 
mvlgk@lrs.lt
www.lygybe.lrs.lt  

Luxembourg
Centre pour l’égalité de traitement

The Center for equal treatment deals with issuing publications and Recommendations and with Giving assistance and encouragement to victims of discrimination.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: age, gender, sexual orientation,  religion / beliefs, origin, race

Tel. (00352) 26 48 30 33 
info@cet.lu
www.cet.lu 

Malta
Maltese National Commission for the Promotion of Equality – NCPE

The Commission is an autonomous body, set up with the aim of monitoring the implementation of the Act on Equality for Men and Women and to promote equality in spheres where it may be lacking.

The Commission works to ensure that Maltese society is a society free from any form of discrimination based on gender and racial/ethnic origin in all sectors and at all levels with respect to opportunities, services and benefits.

Grounds of Discrimination covered:
•           Family responsibilities and gender in employment
•           Racial or ethnic origin in the provision of goods and services

Tel: +356 2590 3850
equality@gov.mt
www.equality.gov.mt  

The Netherlands
Dutch Equal Treatment Commission - CGB

CGB mandate is to provide protection against discrimination in order to promote equal participation in life and/or society (Preamble ETA).

Grounds of Discrimination covered: sex, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, political conviction, belief (all since 1994), duration of employment relation (fulltime or part-time; since 1996), employment relation (permanent or temporary; since 2002), disability or chronic illness (since December 2003) and age (since May 2004).

Tel: +31 (0)30 8883888 
info@cgb.nl
www.cgb.nl  

Northern Ireland
Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

 The mandate includes:
(a) Promote equality of opportunity and affirmative and positive action;
(b) Work towards the elimination of unlawful discrimination in relation to sex, race, disability, religious belief, political opinion, sexual orientation;
(c) Promote the relations between persons of different racial groups, religious beliefs and political opinion;
(d) Oversee the effectiveness of the statutory positive duties placed on public authorities under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, and;
(e) Keep the relevant legislation for which the Commission is responsible under review.
 
Grounds of Discrimination covered: Sex; race; disability; religious belief and political opinion; sexual orientation.

Tel: 02890 500600
information@equalityni.org
www.equalityni.org 

Norway
The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud – LDO

LDO is a national equality body that investigates complaints of discrimination and issues statements in order to enforce anti-discrimination legislation. LDO also monitors Norwegian compliance with international conventions (i.e. CEDAW, CERD). In addition, LDO promotes good practices, provides information about duties and individual rights, and monitors the general situation with regard to discrimination in Norway.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: gender, ethnicity, national origin, descent, skin colour, language, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion/belief/lifestance, political conviction and labour union membership

Telephone: (+47) 24 05 59 50 
post@LDO.no
www.ldo.no/no  

Poland
Ministry of Labour and Social Policy - Department of Women, Family and Counteracting Discrimination (Observer)

Grounds of discrimination covered:

Tel: +48 22 628 42 19
www.rodzina.gov.pl

Portugal
Portuguese Commission for Immigration and Intercultural Dialogue – CICDR (Observer)

The CICDR has, as its mission, to prevent and forbid racial discrimination in all its forms and to sanction all actions and practises which violate the fundamental human rights or which cause unequality of treatment wih regard to racial belonging, colour, nationality and ethnic origins.

Grounds of discrimination covered: racial belonging, colour, nationality and ethnic origins.

Tel. +351 21-8106103  
cicdr@acime.gov.pt
www.acidi.gov.pt 

Portugal
Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality - CIG

CIG has, as its main objectives, to guarantee the implementation of public policies in the area of citizenship and the promotion and defence of gender equality.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: Mainly sex and sexual orientation, but recently also the other grounds of Article 13 of the EC Treaty

Phone: + 351 217983000  
cig@cig.gov.pt 
www.cig.gov.pt 

Romania
Romanian National Council for Combating Discrimination - CNCD–

The CNCD aims at preventing, sanctioning and eliminating all forms of discrimination.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: race, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, social origin, beliefs, sex or sexual orientation, age, disability, chronic non-contagious diseases, persons infected with HIV or belonging to a disfavoured category (for example, refugees, asylum seekers, pensioners, abandoned children, convicted persons who have served their sentences etc.)

Tel: 004021.312.65.78    
contact@cncd.org.ro
www.cncd.org.ro  

Slovakia
Slovak National Centre for Human Rights

The Centre is an independent legal person that performs tasks in the area of human rights and basic freedoms, including the rights of children.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: all grounds covered by the EU discrimination directives.

Tel. +421 2 208 501 xx (extension)
info@snslp.sk 
www.snslp.sk

Spain
Council for the Promotion of Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination on the Grounds of Racial or Ethnic Origin

The Council is in charge of promoting the principle of equal treatment and non-discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin in education, healthcare, social services, housing, and in general, the supply of and access to any goods and services as well as access to employment, self-employment, and exercising a profession, membership and participation in trade unions and business organisations, working conditions, professional promotion, and occupational and life-long vocational training.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: racial or ethnic origin

oberaxe@mtas.es 
www.oberaxe.es/  

Sweden
The Equality Ombudsman

The Ombudsman shall:
•           Supervise compliance with the Discrimination Act,
•           Work to ensure that discrimination associated with sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation or age does not occur in any areas of the life of Swedish Society, and also
•           Work in other respects to promote equal rights and opportunities regardless of sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation or age.

Grounds of Discrimination covered: sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

Tel. +46 (0)8-120 20 700  
do@do.se  
www.do.se