Customer service

You can contact the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman:

• In issues realted to discrimination and equality by filling in the Contact on discrimination -form
• In other issues by filling in this contact form
• By sending e-mail to yvv(at)oikeus.fi
• By calling the helpline. The helpline is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12 noon: 0295 666 817.
• By sending a letter.
• In the chat on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 pm to 3 pm and on Fridays from 10 AM to 12 noon (on our website). Chat is available only when you accept website cookies.
• In Sign language by sending a video by e-mail to yvv(at)oikeus.fi.
• Meetings in person must always be agreed upon separately.

The Office of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman serves you in Finnish, Swedish and English. If necessary, you can also use other languages. The services of the office are free of charge. The personnel of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman are under the secrecy obligation on matters such as sensitive information related to people’s private lives.

When you call us, the call will result in ordinary costs in accordance with the subscription agreement. You do not need to pay a separate service charge for the calls. We can also call you back upon request.

When your issue involves discrimination

If you have experienced or observed discrimination, you can contact the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman. The Non-Discrimination Ombudsman gives advice and instructions and can help with investigating suspected cases of discrimination.

You can contact the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, if you have experienced or observed discrimination on the basis of age, origin, nationality, language, religion, belief, opinion, political activity, trade union activity, family relationships, state of health, disability, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics.

You can also contact the Ombudsman on behalf of a person or group that has experienced discrimination.

If necessary, the Ombudsman takes measures to help the victim of discrimination. You can read more about the methods available for the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman to respond to discrimination on tackling discrimination page.

When you contact the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman in matters related to discrimination

Mostly, the legal assistance provided by the Ombudsman consists of advice and guidance.
When the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman receives a contact about discrimination, it is first assessed whether the case gives rise to a presumption of discrimination; that is, whether the matter constitutes discrimination in accordance with the Non-Discrimination Act. 

The Ombudsman has broad discretionary powers to decide what measures will be taken based on an individual contact. The Ombudsman nevertheless responds to all discrimination contacts that were sent in writing. At its easiest, the situation may be resolved via e-mail or telephone. When considering which measures to take, the Ombudsman takes into account, among other things, what is the most effective and appropriate method for the person to exercise their rights as well as the social significance of the matter in question.

Filing a complaint with the Ombudsman does not replace other rectification or appeal procedures that may be available in the case. For example, if appealing a negative decision is possible, this should be done before contacting the Ombudsman. If you have already contacted another authority, please note that as a rule, we do not process your complaint at the at the same time as another authority.

When your issue involves trafficking in human beings, monitoring removal from the country or issues related to foreigners

The duties of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman also include monitoring the removal from the country as well as promoting the position and rights of foreign nationals. In addition, the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman is the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings. 

On matters related to trafficking in human beings, the position and rights of foreign nationals and the monitoring of the removal from the country, you can contact the Ombudsman by e-mail at [email protected], or by calling the helpline +358 295 666 817 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12 noon. 

On these matters, the Ombudsman operates in a manner different from tackling discrimination. You can contact the Ombudsman regarding the situation or the rights of an individual person. As the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings and on issues regarding the rights of foreign nationals, the Ombudsman considers whether to take measures. The assistance consists mainly of guidance.

As a monitor of removal from the country, the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman does not usually provide customer service. The task of the Ombudsman is to monitor the removal from the country from the point of view of basic and human rights. The Ombudsman has no mandate to  interfere with the enforcement of a removal from the country.

• The victim of human trafficking has a right to get help from their municipality of residence, or from the Assistance system for victims of human trafficking.
• Several organisations, such as Victim Support Finland, the Finnish Refugee Advice Centre, Pro-tukipiste and MONIKA – Multicultural Women’s Association also provide assistance to the victims of human trafficking.