Concept
Local Anti-Discrimination Bureaux assist people who experience discrimination. They are independent non-governmental organisations that explain their rights to people, assist them to make a complaint, or refer them to the necessary institution.
In Botkyrka, the municipal council stands out for the relationship it has developed with the Anti-Discrimination Bureau in its area. This relationship has included the provision of significant annual funding.
Foundation
The Discrimination Act prohibits direct and indirect discrimination, inadequate accessibility for people with disabilities, harassment and sexual harassment, and instruction to discriminate, on the grounds of sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation or age. It has a broad scope including the fields of employment, education, employment services, health and social care, social insurance and benefits, and the provision of goods, services and housing. The Equality Ombudsman is established to oversee compliance with the Act.
Progress
The Anti-Discrimination Bureau, Stockholm Syd, is a non-profit organization run by SIOS, the Cooperation Body for Ethnic Organizations in Sweden, funded by the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society (MUCF) and Botkyrka municipality. It works to combat discrimination and promote human rights, providing free counseling, support and information for individuals who feel discriminated against, conducting investigations into cases, mediating between the parties, and preparing referrals to the Equality Ombudsman.
This Anti-Discrimination Bureau is an important resource for those who experience discrimination in being able to take action to change their situation and experience. It provides important inputs for the work of Botkyrka municipality in: enabling issues of discrimination in the area to be tracked and understood; raising incidents of discrimination with city as necessary; and contributing to the developmental work of the municipality in activities to challenge all forms of discrimination.
