To apply to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson you need to fill in an application form.
Form
A model application form is available on the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson’s website to help you better structure your application.
Language
The working language of the Ombudsperson is Lithuanian. This means that your application should be in Lithuanian. The official reply you will receive will be in Lithuanian.
Content
In your application you need to explain clearly:
- what has happened
- when it happened
- which state institutions or officials, or private persons or companies were involved – their names and positions
- what you request
- the application needs to contain your name, signature, date and return address
Your application does not need to be in legally correct language or refer to any specific legal provisions, but it has to be clear and understandable. Try to write only about the facts and issues relating to the violation about which you are complaining. To help the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson better understand what has happened, try to keep the text simple, focused and avoid emotional or derogatory language.
Documents
If you can, please add all the documents (for example, complaints you have made and the responses to them) that are related to the situation you are complaining about to your application.
Time limits
There is a time limit of three months from the date when the violation occurred for filing your complaint with the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson. The complaints lodged after this term are not considered, unless the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson decides otherwise.
Address
Applications must be sent to the following address:
Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson’s Office
Lygių galimybių kontrolieriaus įstaiga
S. Konarskio st. 35
LT-03123 Vilnius
Lithuania
Legal aid
In Lithuania you are not entitled to free legal aid when applying to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson. If you are not sure if you have been discriminated against or harassed and whether the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson can investigate your case, you can email (lygybe@lygybe.lt) or call (+370 5205 0640) the Ombudsperson’s office before you make an application. If you need further legal aid to prepare your application, you will have to hire a lawyer yourself. Having a lawyer is not compulsory when applying to the Ombudsperson.