The Equal Opportunities Ombuds person can:
1. Investigate cases of discrimination and harassment
The Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson investigates the actions of state institutions and officials, as well as of private persons in the spheres of education, employment, provision of goods and services, or in advertisements. The Ombudsperson investigates discrimination complaint on the grounds of sex, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, origin, social status, religion or beliefs, age, sexual orientation, disability.
At the end of the investigation, the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson will issue a decision on whether there has been a violation of your rights or not. Please note that the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson cannot change or amend the decisions of courts or state institutions.
In general, the decision of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson is not binding but they must be examined and the Ombudsperson must be informed on their implementation. In some cases, the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson may impose an administrative fine for the violation of equal rights.
Courts can take the Ombudsperson’s decision into account when deciding on your compensation claim. For example, if the Equal Opportunities Ombuds person has issued a decision that you suffered discrimination or harassment, you can claim compensation for such a violation in the courts.
2. Help to prevent future violations of a similar kind against you or other persons
If the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson’s investigation reveals a problem in a law or usual practice, he/she can propose changes to them to prevent future violations.
3. Help you to understand your human rights and explain how better to defend them
If you are not sure if your human rights have been violated or whether the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson can investigate your case, you can email (lygybe@lygybe.lt) or call (+370 7 066 3899) the Ombudsperson’s office before you make an application. The Ombudsperson can help you with various human rights related questions, but keep in mind that he/she cannot act as your lawyer, give unlimited free legal aid or represent you in court.
The Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson cannot:
The Ombudsperson can only fulfil those tasks, which are outlined under the Law. Therefore, he/she cannot:
- revoke or change decisions of courts or state institutions
- examine the evidence in court cases
- give compensation for a violation of human rights
- provide legal advice not related to your human rights
- write applications to courts or state institutions or write other legal documents for you
- represent you in the European Court of Human Rights or other international organizations