Discrimination Often Unreported
Image: YLE / Heikki Haapalainen
Finland's Ombudsman for Minorities dealt with nearly 500 discrimination complaints last year.
About 50 of the reported cases were for discrimination at restaurants and bars. Officials believe that many cases of discrimination go unreported.
Roma as well as those with African backgrounds appear to be the most likely to be denied entrance to bars and restaurants. However, other minorities including Estonians have also been denied access to bars and restaurants for no legitimate reason.
Such discrimination is a crime in Finland. Cases can be reported to the police or to the Ombudsman for Minorities.
Yrsa Nyman, a senior officer at the Ombudsman for Minorities, says many people are not aware of their rights.
“People rarely report these acts. Often they are unaware whom to turn to,” she says.
YLE