diskrimineringsvern

Diskrimineringsvern refers to the legal protection against discrimination in Norway, primarily ensured by the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act (Likestillings- og diskrimineringsloven) and related legislation. The aim is to promote equal treatment and prevent unfair adverse treatment on the basis of protected characteristics. The protection covers areas such as employment, recruitment, promotion, training, education, housing, goods and services, and health and social benefits, with some sector-specific rules in place.

Protected grounds include gender, pregnancy and parental status, ethnicity and national origin, religion or belief, functional ability or disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and age. Indirect discrimination, where a neutral rule or practice disadvantages a protected group, is also prohibited. In addition, the acts ban harassment and instruction to discriminate, including sexual harassment, in the covered areas. The law also recognizes the importance of reasonable accommodations and accessibility to ensure effective equal access.

Compliance obligations lie with employers, educational institutions, public authorities, and service providers. They must refrain from discriminatory practices, actively promote equality, and take measures to prevent discrimination. This can involve policy changes, training, outreach, and adapting services or premises to be accessible for people with disabilities. Positive action measures to support underrepresented groups are allowed under certain conditions.

Enforcement and remedies are handled by the Equality and Discrimination Ombud (Likestillings- og diskrimineringsombudet) and the courts. Individuals can seek guidance, mediation, or legal remedies including damages, injunctions, or order to cease discriminatory practices. The diskrimineringsvern framework is complemented by related provisions in the Working Environment Act and other sector-specific rules, forming a broader system of protection against discrimination in Norwegian society.