Equality bodies

Furthermore, the Ombudsman is also required to give advice, independent assistance and support more generally to individuals and institutions; engage in education, information and opinion-shaping efforts to combat discrimination; and propose to the Government legal and other measures that may be of use to combat discrimination and monitor international developments. Independent surveys and reports are important parts of this work. The Ombudsman, – though appointed by the Government – has independent status to reach its own decisions in individual matters. It is state-funded, decisions on funding being taken annually by the Swedish Parliament, based on Government recommendations and as part of the general state budget.

As was already indicated, the role played by NGOs other than trade unions and employer organisations in Sweden has been known to be fairly weak, perhaps with the exception of the different organisations within the disability movement. To the extent that there are NGOs, the Ombudsman has an ongoing dialogue with them.