diskrimineringsregelverk

Diskrimineringsregelverk refers to the set of laws and norms in Sweden that prohibit discrimination and require equal treatment in various sectors. It draws on national legislation and European Union directives to create standards for how individuals should be treated in areas such as employment, education, and access to services. The framework aims to prevent unfair treatment based on protected characteristics and to promote inclusion.

The core grounds for protection include sex, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation, age, and union membership. Pregnancy and parental status are treated as aspects of sex, and discrimination by association—being treated unfairly because of someone close to you—is also prohibited. The rulebook covers direct discrimination (unequal treatment), indirect discrimination (practices that disadvantage a group), harassment, and instructions to discriminate, as well as retaliation against those who report discrimination or participate in investigations.

The rule set typically applies to working life and education, with prohibitions on discriminatory practices in recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, advancement, pay, and training, as well as in educational settings. It also addresses discrimination in the provision of goods and services in certain contexts, and it prohibits harassment linked to protected characteristics. The framework obliges employers, schools, and public authorities to take active measures to prevent discrimination and to implement corrective actions when issues are identified.

Enforcement is led by bodies such as the Equality Ombudsman, which investigates complaints, issues guidance, and can require changes or pursue action in court. Remedies may include damages for harm and orders to change practices or implement preventive measures. The Swedish diskrimineringsregelverk is aligned with EU equality directives and is subject to ongoing evaluation and reform.