Among the Nordic countries, Norway's rather mediocre score on anti-discrimination is closer to DK than to SE. Since January 2006, the Anti-discrimination Act covers discrimination on the grounds of race/ethnicity, religion/belief, national origin, descent, colour, and language. But the definitions do not ban discrimination on the grounds of nationality. Complainants are supported by shifts in the burden of proof and protection against victimisation. But the law does not provide certain critical sanctions like publishing the offence. Ethnic discrimination cases do not get priority for legal aid or interpreters. The Act established the Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombudsman and Tribunal, which offers independent legal advice to victims and carries out investigations into their cases. But it cannot take a case to court on behalf of a victim, or bring a case in its own name. The state promotes equality through information campaigns, public dialogue, and positive action measures.
