# Everyday Racism in Norway: What You Can Do Everyday racism in Norway: what it is, that discrimination is forbidden, and what you can do – LDO, Discrimination Board and reporting hate crimes. Canonical: https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/hverdagsrasisme-hva-du-kan-gjore-norge Language: en Publisher: SamfunnPrep Author: Hlib Suslov Published: 2026-07-09T23:07:32.165+00:00 Modified: 2026-10-16T11:53:57.565531+00:00 AI use policy: https://samfunnprep.no/ai-policy.txt ## Key takeaways - Discrimination is forbidden Discrimination based on ethnicity, skin color, language, and religion is forbidden under the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act. - Free help is available LDO provides free guidance, the Discrimination Board handles complaints for free, and hate crimes can be reported to the police. - Widespread, but you have rights 39 percent of immigrants experienced discrimination last year (SSB 2024); you have the same right to be in society as everyone else. Everyday racism is the small and large demeaning experiences many face because of skin color, background, or religion. In Norway, such discrimination is forbidden, and you have rights. Here is what everyday racism is and what you can do. ## What is Everyday Racism? Everyday racism is the racism that happens daily: a comment on the bus, the question "where are you really from?", being overlooked in a shop, or not being invited to a job interview because of your name. These are often "small" incidents, but they repeat themselves and can wear you down over time. Discrimination based on **ethnicity**, skin color, language, religion, or national origin is **forbidden by law** in Norway. This is stated in the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act, which applies to all areas of society – employment, housing, school, and public services. ## You Are Fully Within Your Rights Experiencing racism is not something you just have to tolerate. Research shows it is widespread: **39 percent** of immigrants report experiencing discrimination in the last year, compared to 21 percent in the rest of the population (SSB, 2024). It most often occurs during hiring and in the workplace. Putting words to what you experience is the first step. It is not an exaggeration to react, and you have several places to turn to. ## What You Can Do If you experience discrimination, you can do several things: - **Write down what happened:** date, location, who was there, and what was said. Keep messages and photos. - **Contact the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud (LDO).** They provide **free** legal guidance to anyone with a question about discrimination. LDO does not decide cases, but explains your rights. - **File a complaint with the Discrimination Board.** The board handles discrimination complaints for free and can in some cases award compensation. You do not need a lawyer. - **Report hate crimes to the police.** If you are threatened or subjected to hateful speech because of skin color, religion, or background, it may be criminal under the Penal Code § 185. The police have been instructed to prioritize hate crimes. Knowing your rights is connected to [discrimination in the workplace](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/diskriminering-i-arbeidslivet-norge) and [human rights in Norway](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/menneskerettigheter-norge). ## If Your Child Experiences Racism Children can also experience racism, at school or in their free time. All children have the right to a safe school environment, and the school has a duty to intervene against bullying and racism. If your child experiences this: - Talk to your child and take their feelings seriously. - Inform the **class teacher** and principal, and ask the school for a plan (an action plan). - If you do not get help, you can contact the **county governor** or a local **bullying ombud**. Showing your child that they are not alone, and that the adults are taking responsibility, means a lot. ## Norway Works Against Racism Racism and discrimination are taken seriously in Norway. The government has its own **action plan against racism and discrimination for 2024–2027**, with 50 initiatives in employment, youth, and local communities. Municipalities, organizations, and schools also work against racism. At the same time, everyday racism continues to affect many people. An example that received much attention was [the racism against athlete Grace Bullen](https://samfunnprep.no/en/nyheter/grace-bullen-bunad-rasisme-17-mai-2026) after a video in traditional dress on May 17. Such cases show why it is important to speak up. ## You Belong Being subjected to racism can hurt and make you feel like you do not belong. But you have the same right to be in Norway, at work, and in society as everyone else. Use your rights, seek support from LDO or an organization, and remember that the law is on your side. Rights, equality, and how society works are topics on the [civics test](https://samfunnprep.no/en/samfunnskunnskapsproven). On SamfunnPrep you can learn more and practice for free. Ready to practice? [Try SamfunnPrep for free](https://samfunnprep.no/register). ## FAQ ### What is everyday racism? Everyday racism is the racism that happens daily: comments, questions like "where are you really from?", being overlooked, or not being invited to an interview because of your name. These are often small incidents that repeat themselves. ### Is discrimination forbidden in Norway? Yes. Discrimination based on ethnicity, skin color, language, religion, or national origin is forbidden under the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act. The law applies to all areas of society. ### What can I do if I am discriminated against? Write down what happened and contact the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud (LDO) for free guidance. You can file a complaint with the Discrimination Board for free, and report hate crimes to the police. ### What is LDO? The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud provides free legal guidance to anyone with a question about discrimination. LDO does not decide cases itself, but explains your rights and what you can do. ### When does racism become criminal? Hateful speech and threats based on skin color, religion, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation can be criminal under the Penal Code § 185. Such hate crimes can be reported to the police, who have been instructed to prioritize them. ## Sources - [Handlingsplan mot rasisme og diskriminering – ny innsats 2024–2027](https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/handlingsplan-mot-rasisme-og-diskriminering-ny-innsats-20242027/id3015471/) - [Likestillings- og diskrimineringsloven](https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/2017-06-16-51) - [Kontakt oss – gratis juridisk veiledning](https://www.ldo.no/kontakt-oss) - [Diskriminering (statistikk)](https://www.bufdir.no/statistikk-og-analyse/etnisitet-religion/diskriminering/) Citation: Hlib Suslov, "Everyday Racism in Norway: What You Can Do", SamfunnPrep, 2026-07-09T23:07:32.165+00:00, https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/hverdagsrasisme-hva-du-kan-gjore-norge