| SWEDEN Kingdom of Sweden Konungariket Sverige Joined United Nations: 19 November 1946 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 01/19/11 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Stockholm
9,074,055 (July 2010 est.)
Fredrik Reinfeldt
Prime Minister since 5 October 2006
Prime Minister since 5 October 2006
The monarchy is hereditary; the heir apparent is the eldest child of
the monarch
Next scheduled election: none
the monarch
Next scheduled election: none
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Following legislative elections, the prime minister is elected by the
parliament; election last held on 19 September 2010
Next scheduled election: September 2014
parliament; election last held on 19 September 2010
Next scheduled election: September 2014
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Indigenous population: Swedes with Finnish and Sami minorities; foreign-born or first-generation immigrants: Finns, Yugoslavs,
Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks
Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks
| RELIGIONS |
Lutheran 87%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 13%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional monarchy with 21 counties (lan, singular and plural); Legal system is a civil law system influenced by customary law;
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Executive: The monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the prime minister is elected by the parliament; election last held on
19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014)
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional representation
basis to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Hogsta Domstolen (judges are appointed by the prime minister and the cabinet)
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Executive: The monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the prime minister is elected by the parliament; election last held on
19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014)
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament or Riksdag (349 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional representation
basis to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014)
Judicial: Supreme Court or Hogsta Domstolen (judges are appointed by the prime minister and the cabinet)
| LANGUAGES |
Swedish, small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Sweden, as well as the adjacent country Norway, has a high concentration of petroglyphs (ristningar or hällristningar in Swedish)
throughout the country, with the highest concentration in the province of Bohuslän. The earliest images can, however, be found in the
province of Jämtland, dating from 5000 BC. They depict wild animals such as elk, reindeer, bears and seals. The period 2300–500
BC was the most intensive carving period, with carvings of agriculture, warfare, ships, domesticated animals, etc. Also, petroglyphs
with themes of sexual nature have been found in Bohuslän; these are dated from 800–500 BC. A foundation date of the nation
Sweden cannot be determined with any degree of certainty, since it evolved from a warfare center of power, Svea Rike, centered in
old Uppsala, which might have had many increases and decreases in power and influence. The existence of such a power is stated
already by Tacitus (see Suiones), around AD 100. The neighboring areas of West and East Geats probably also played a very
important historical role in defining the nation. About 1000, the first certain king over Svea and Göta Riken is documented to be
Olof Skötkonung, but the further history is obscure with kings whose periods of regency and actual power is unclear. In the 12th
century, Sweden was still consolidating with the dynastic struggles between the Erik and Sverker clans, which finally ended when a
third clan married into the Erik clan and founded the Folkunga dynasty on the throne. This dynasty gradually consolidated a pre-
Kalmar-Union Sweden to an actual nation, which essentially fell apart after the Black Death. The conversion from pre-Christian
beliefs to Christianity was a complex, gradual, and at times possibly violent (see Temple at Uppsala) process. The main early source
of religious influence was England due to interactions between Scandinavians and Saxons in the Danelaw, and Irish missionary
monks. The German influence was less obvious in the beginning (despite an early missionary attempt by Ansgar), but gradually
emerged as the dominant religious force in the area (especially after the Norman conquest of England). Despite the close relations
between Swedish and Russian aristocracy (see also Rus'), there is no direct evidence of Orthodox influence, possibly because of
language barriers. This consolidated state of Sweden already included Finland presumably from an early crusade into the area of
Tavastland in central current day Finland. After the Black Death and internal power struggles in Sweden, Queen Margaret I of
Denmark united the Nordic countries in the Kalmar Union in 1397, with the approval of the Swedish nobility. Continual tension of
economic nature within the countries and within the union gradually led to open conflict between the Swedes and the Danes in the
15th century, however. The union's final disintegration in the early 16th century brought on a long-lived rivalry between Denmark on
one side and Sweden on the other. In the 16th century, Gustav Vasa fought for an independent Sweden, crushing an attempt to
restore the Kalmar Union and laying the foundation for modern Sweden. At the same time, he broke with the Roman Catholic
Church and established the Reformation. After winning wars against Denmark-Norway, Russia, and Poland during the 17th century,
Sweden emerged as a Great Power, despite having scarcely more than 1 million inhabitants. Its contributions during the Thirty
Years' War under Gustavus Adolphus helped determine the political, as well as the religious, balance of power in Europe. By the
treaties of Brömsebro, 1645, and Roskilde, 1658, Sweden acquired important provinces of Denmark and Norway. Following the
Peace of Westphalia in 1648, Sweden ruled Ingria, in which Saint Petersburg later would be founded, Estonia, Livonia, and
important coastal towns and other areas of northern Germany. Russia, Saxony-Poland, and Denmark-Norway pooled their power
in 1700 and attacked the Swedish empire. Although the young Swedish King Charles XII won spectacular victories in the early
years of the Great Northern War, his plan to attack Moscow and force Russia into peace proved too ambitious; he was shot during
the siege of Frederiksten fortress in Norway in 1718. In the subsequent peace treaties, the allied powers, joined by Prussia and by
England-Hanover, ended Sweden's reign as a great power and introduced a period of limited monarchy under parliamentary rule.
Following half a century of parliamentary domination came the reaction. A bloodless coup d'état perpetrated by King Gustav III
brought back absolute monarchy, a state of affairs that would last until involvement in the Napoleonic wars forced Sweden to cede
Finland to Russia in 1809. The following year, the Swedish King's adopted heir, French Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, was
elected Crown Prince Charles by the Riksdag. In 1813, his forces joined the allies against Napoleon. In the Treaty of Kiel, the king
of Denmark-Norway ceded Norway to the Swedish king. Norway, however, declared its independence, adopted a constitution
and chose a new king. Sweden invaded Norway to enforce the terms of the Kiel treaty. After a short war, the peace of Moss
established a personal union between the two states. The union lasted until 1905, when it was peacefully dissolved at Norway's
request. Sweden's predominantly agricultural economy shifted gradually from village to private farm-based agriculture during the
Industrial Revolution, but this change failed to bring economic and social improvements commensurate with the rate of population
growth. About 1 million Swedes emigrated to the United States between 1850 and 1890. The 19th century was marked by the
emergence of a liberal opposition press, the abolition of guild monopolies in trade and manufacturing in favour of free enterprise, the
introduction of taxation and voting reforms, the installation of national military service, and the rise in the electorate of three major
party groups – Social Democrat, Liberal, and Conservative. During and after World War I, in which Sweden remained neutral, the
country benefitted from the world-wide demand for Swedish steel, ball bearings, wood pulp, and matches. Post-war prosperity
provided the foundations for the social welfare policies characteristic of modern Sweden. Foreign policy concerns in the 1930s
centered on Soviet and German expansionism, which stimulated abortive efforts at Nordic defence co-operation. Sweden followed
a policy of armed neutrality during World War II and currently remains non-aligned. Sweden was one of the first non-participants of
World War II to join the United Nations (in 1946). Apart from this, the country tried to stay out of alliances and remain as neutral
as possible during the cold war. As the social democratic party held government for 44 years (1932-1976), they spent a big part of
the 1950s and 1960s building Folkhemmet (The People's Home), the Swedish welfare state. One of the reasons this was possible
was that Sweden had stayed out of World War II and was able to help build Europe after the war, which meant the Swedish
economy blossomed. After falling upon harder times in the 1970s, the economy stagnated somewhat and in 1976, the social
democrats lost their majority. The 1976 parliamentary elections brought a liberal/right-wing coalition to power. Over the next six
years, four governments ruled and fell, composed by all or some of the parties that had won in 1976. The fourth liberal government
in these years came under fire by Social Democrats & trade unions and the Moderate Party, culminating in the Social Democrats
regaining power in 1982. On February 28, 1986, the social democratic leader and Swedish prime minister Olof Palme was
murdered, after which many people felt Sweden had "lost its innocence". In the beginning of the 1990s there occurred once again an
economic crisis with high unemployment and many banks and companies going bankrupt. Sweden became a member of the
European Union in 1995, after which the country more and more has started to frain from its post-war and cold war neutrality. In a
referendum held in 2003, the majority of the population voted against the adoption of the Euro as the country's official currency.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Sweden
throughout the country, with the highest concentration in the province of Bohuslän. The earliest images can, however, be found in the
province of Jämtland, dating from 5000 BC. They depict wild animals such as elk, reindeer, bears and seals. The period 2300–500
BC was the most intensive carving period, with carvings of agriculture, warfare, ships, domesticated animals, etc. Also, petroglyphs
with themes of sexual nature have been found in Bohuslän; these are dated from 800–500 BC. A foundation date of the nation
Sweden cannot be determined with any degree of certainty, since it evolved from a warfare center of power, Svea Rike, centered in
old Uppsala, which might have had many increases and decreases in power and influence. The existence of such a power is stated
already by Tacitus (see Suiones), around AD 100. The neighboring areas of West and East Geats probably also played a very
important historical role in defining the nation. About 1000, the first certain king over Svea and Göta Riken is documented to be
Olof Skötkonung, but the further history is obscure with kings whose periods of regency and actual power is unclear. In the 12th
century, Sweden was still consolidating with the dynastic struggles between the Erik and Sverker clans, which finally ended when a
third clan married into the Erik clan and founded the Folkunga dynasty on the throne. This dynasty gradually consolidated a pre-
Kalmar-Union Sweden to an actual nation, which essentially fell apart after the Black Death. The conversion from pre-Christian
beliefs to Christianity was a complex, gradual, and at times possibly violent (see Temple at Uppsala) process. The main early source
of religious influence was England due to interactions between Scandinavians and Saxons in the Danelaw, and Irish missionary
monks. The German influence was less obvious in the beginning (despite an early missionary attempt by Ansgar), but gradually
emerged as the dominant religious force in the area (especially after the Norman conquest of England). Despite the close relations
between Swedish and Russian aristocracy (see also Rus'), there is no direct evidence of Orthodox influence, possibly because of
language barriers. This consolidated state of Sweden already included Finland presumably from an early crusade into the area of
Tavastland in central current day Finland. After the Black Death and internal power struggles in Sweden, Queen Margaret I of
Denmark united the Nordic countries in the Kalmar Union in 1397, with the approval of the Swedish nobility. Continual tension of
economic nature within the countries and within the union gradually led to open conflict between the Swedes and the Danes in the
15th century, however. The union's final disintegration in the early 16th century brought on a long-lived rivalry between Denmark on
one side and Sweden on the other. In the 16th century, Gustav Vasa fought for an independent Sweden, crushing an attempt to
restore the Kalmar Union and laying the foundation for modern Sweden. At the same time, he broke with the Roman Catholic
Church and established the Reformation. After winning wars against Denmark-Norway, Russia, and Poland during the 17th century,
Sweden emerged as a Great Power, despite having scarcely more than 1 million inhabitants. Its contributions during the Thirty
Years' War under Gustavus Adolphus helped determine the political, as well as the religious, balance of power in Europe. By the
treaties of Brömsebro, 1645, and Roskilde, 1658, Sweden acquired important provinces of Denmark and Norway. Following the
Peace of Westphalia in 1648, Sweden ruled Ingria, in which Saint Petersburg later would be founded, Estonia, Livonia, and
important coastal towns and other areas of northern Germany. Russia, Saxony-Poland, and Denmark-Norway pooled their power
in 1700 and attacked the Swedish empire. Although the young Swedish King Charles XII won spectacular victories in the early
years of the Great Northern War, his plan to attack Moscow and force Russia into peace proved too ambitious; he was shot during
the siege of Frederiksten fortress in Norway in 1718. In the subsequent peace treaties, the allied powers, joined by Prussia and by
England-Hanover, ended Sweden's reign as a great power and introduced a period of limited monarchy under parliamentary rule.
Following half a century of parliamentary domination came the reaction. A bloodless coup d'état perpetrated by King Gustav III
brought back absolute monarchy, a state of affairs that would last until involvement in the Napoleonic wars forced Sweden to cede
Finland to Russia in 1809. The following year, the Swedish King's adopted heir, French Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, was
elected Crown Prince Charles by the Riksdag. In 1813, his forces joined the allies against Napoleon. In the Treaty of Kiel, the king
of Denmark-Norway ceded Norway to the Swedish king. Norway, however, declared its independence, adopted a constitution
and chose a new king. Sweden invaded Norway to enforce the terms of the Kiel treaty. After a short war, the peace of Moss
established a personal union between the two states. The union lasted until 1905, when it was peacefully dissolved at Norway's
request. Sweden's predominantly agricultural economy shifted gradually from village to private farm-based agriculture during the
Industrial Revolution, but this change failed to bring economic and social improvements commensurate with the rate of population
growth. About 1 million Swedes emigrated to the United States between 1850 and 1890. The 19th century was marked by the
emergence of a liberal opposition press, the abolition of guild monopolies in trade and manufacturing in favour of free enterprise, the
introduction of taxation and voting reforms, the installation of national military service, and the rise in the electorate of three major
party groups – Social Democrat, Liberal, and Conservative. During and after World War I, in which Sweden remained neutral, the
country benefitted from the world-wide demand for Swedish steel, ball bearings, wood pulp, and matches. Post-war prosperity
provided the foundations for the social welfare policies characteristic of modern Sweden. Foreign policy concerns in the 1930s
centered on Soviet and German expansionism, which stimulated abortive efforts at Nordic defence co-operation. Sweden followed
a policy of armed neutrality during World War II and currently remains non-aligned. Sweden was one of the first non-participants of
World War II to join the United Nations (in 1946). Apart from this, the country tried to stay out of alliances and remain as neutral
as possible during the cold war. As the social democratic party held government for 44 years (1932-1976), they spent a big part of
the 1950s and 1960s building Folkhemmet (The People's Home), the Swedish welfare state. One of the reasons this was possible
was that Sweden had stayed out of World War II and was able to help build Europe after the war, which meant the Swedish
economy blossomed. After falling upon harder times in the 1970s, the economy stagnated somewhat and in 1976, the social
democrats lost their majority. The 1976 parliamentary elections brought a liberal/right-wing coalition to power. Over the next six
years, four governments ruled and fell, composed by all or some of the parties that had won in 1976. The fourth liberal government
in these years came under fire by Social Democrats & trade unions and the Moderate Party, culminating in the Social Democrats
regaining power in 1982. On February 28, 1986, the social democratic leader and Swedish prime minister Olof Palme was
murdered, after which many people felt Sweden had "lost its innocence". In the beginning of the 1990s there occurred once again an
economic crisis with high unemployment and many banks and companies going bankrupt. Sweden became a member of the
European Union in 1995, after which the country more and more has started to frain from its post-war and cold war neutrality. In a
referendum held in 2003, the majority of the population voted against the adoption of the Euro as the country's official currency.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Sweden
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole of the 20th century, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed
system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external
communications, and a skilled labor force. In September 2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system concerned
about the impact on the economy and sovereignty. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy
heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of industrial output, of which the engineering
sector accounts for 50% of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for little more than 1% of GDP and of employment. Until
2008, Sweden was in the midst of a sustained economic upswing, boosted by increased domestic demand and strong exports. This
and robust finances offered the center-right government considerable scope to implement its reform program aimed at increasing
employment, reducing welfare dependence, and streamlining the state's role in the economy. Despite strong finances and underlying
fundamentals, the Swedish economy slid into recession in the third quarter of 2008 and growth continued downward in 2009 as
deteriorating global conditions reduced export demand and consumption. Strong exports of commodities and a return to profitability
by Sweden's banking sector drove the strong rebound in 2010.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Sweden)
system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external
communications, and a skilled labor force. In September 2003, Swedish voters turned down entry into the euro system concerned
about the impact on the economy and sovereignty. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy
heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of industrial output, of which the engineering
sector accounts for 50% of output and exports. Agriculture accounts for little more than 1% of GDP and of employment. Until
2008, Sweden was in the midst of a sustained economic upswing, boosted by increased domestic demand and strong exports. This
and robust finances offered the center-right government considerable scope to implement its reform program aimed at increasing
employment, reducing welfare dependence, and streamlining the state's role in the economy. Despite strong finances and underlying
fundamentals, the Swedish economy slid into recession in the third quarter of 2008 and growth continued downward in 2009 as
deteriorating global conditions reduced export demand and consumption. Strong exports of commodities and a return to profitability
by Sweden's banking sector drove the strong rebound in 2010.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Sweden)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The Swedish Social Democratic Party has played a leading political role since 1917, after Reformists confirmed their strength and
the revolutionaries left the party. After 1932, the Cabinets have been dominated by the Social Democrats. Only four general
elections (1976, 1979, 1991 and 2006) have given the centre-right bloc enough seats in Parliament to form a government. This is
considered one reason for the Swedish post-war welfare state, with a government expenditure of slightly more than 50% of the
gross domestic product.
Sweden has a history of strong political involvement by ordinary people through its "popular movements" (Folkrörelser in Swedish),
the most notable being trade unions, the women's movement, the temperance movement, and -- more recently -- sports movement.
Election turnout in Sweden has always been high in international comparisons, although it has declined in recent decades, and is
currently around 82 percent (81.99 in Sweden general election, 2006).
Some Swedish political figures that have become known worldwide include Joe Hill, Carl Skoglund, Raoul Wallenberg, Folke
Bernadotte, Dag Hammarskjöld, Olof Palme, Carl Bildt, Hans Blix, and Anna Lindh.
Throughout the 20th century, Swedish foreign policy was based on the principle of non-alignment in peacetime, neutrality in
wartime. This principle have often been criticised in Sweden, allegedly being a facade, claiming that the Swedish government had an
advanced collaboration with western countries within NATO.
Sweden is also very active in international peace efforts, especially through the United Nations, and in support to the Third World.
In 1995 Sweden together with Finland and Austria joined the European Union, extending the number of member countries from 12
to 15. Membership and its issues are among the most important questions in Swedish politics. Apart from the European Union
Sweden is also an active member of the UN and several other organisations such as OECD and IMF.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Sweden
the revolutionaries left the party. After 1932, the Cabinets have been dominated by the Social Democrats. Only four general
elections (1976, 1979, 1991 and 2006) have given the centre-right bloc enough seats in Parliament to form a government. This is
considered one reason for the Swedish post-war welfare state, with a government expenditure of slightly more than 50% of the
gross domestic product.
Sweden has a history of strong political involvement by ordinary people through its "popular movements" (Folkrörelser in Swedish),
the most notable being trade unions, the women's movement, the temperance movement, and -- more recently -- sports movement.
Election turnout in Sweden has always been high in international comparisons, although it has declined in recent decades, and is
currently around 82 percent (81.99 in Sweden general election, 2006).
Some Swedish political figures that have become known worldwide include Joe Hill, Carl Skoglund, Raoul Wallenberg, Folke
Bernadotte, Dag Hammarskjöld, Olof Palme, Carl Bildt, Hans Blix, and Anna Lindh.
Throughout the 20th century, Swedish foreign policy was based on the principle of non-alignment in peacetime, neutrality in
wartime. This principle have often been criticised in Sweden, allegedly being a facade, claiming that the Swedish government had an
advanced collaboration with western countries within NATO.
Sweden is also very active in international peace efforts, especially through the United Nations, and in support to the Third World.
In 1995 Sweden together with Finland and Austria joined the European Union, extending the number of member countries from 12
to 15. Membership and its issues are among the most important questions in Swedish politics. Apart from the European Union
Sweden is also an active member of the UN and several other organisations such as OECD and IMF.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Sweden
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Sweden
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Kingdom of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a multiparty parliamentary form of government. The population is
approximately 9.3 million. Legislative authority rests in the unicameral Riksdag (parliament). In national elections in 2006, voters elected
a center-right coalition government led by the Moderate Party. The elections were free and fair. The king is the largely symbolic head of
state. The prime minister is the head of government and exercises executive authority. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective
control of the security forces.
Reported human rights problems included:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Kingdom of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a multiparty parliamentary form of government. The population is
approximately 9.3 million. Legislative authority rests in the unicameral Riksdag (parliament). In national elections in 2006, voters elected
a center-right coalition government led by the Moderate Party. The elections were free and fair. The king is the largely symbolic head of
state. The prime minister is the head of government and exercises executive authority. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective
control of the security forces.
Reported human rights problems included:
- isolated incidents of excessive force by police,
- prison overcrowding and lengthy pretrial detention,
- government surveillance and interference,
- incidents of anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic discrimination and civil disturbances,
- abuse of women and children,
- trafficking in persons.
2 April 2009
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Ninety-fifth session
New York, 16 March-3 April 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE COVENANT
Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee
SWEDEN
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the timely submission of the sixth periodic report of Sweden in accordance with the guidelines and the
inclusion in the report of detailed information on the measures adopted to address the concerns expressed in the Committee’s previous
concluding observations (CCPR/CO/74/SWE). It is grateful to the State party for the written replies (CCPR/C/ SWE/Q/6/Add.1)
submitted in advance in response to the Committee’s written questions, and the additional information provided during the consideration
of the report. It also notes the State party’s consultation with non-governmental organisations during the preparation of the present
periodic report, as well as the delegation’s acknowledgment of the work of such organisations in providing the Committee with relevant
additional information.
B. Positive Aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the various legislative, administrative and practical measures taken to improve the promotion and
protection of human rights in the State party since the examination of the fifth periodic report, in particular:
(a) the inclusion of a new provision in the Constitution in 2003 (The Instrument of Government, Chapter 1, article 2, paragraph 4),
clarifying that public institutions shall combat discrimination of persons on grounds of gender, colour, national or ethnic origin, linguistic
or religious affiliation, functional disability, sexual orientation, age or other circumstance affecting the private person;
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
4. The Committee has noted the merger, in January 2009, of the four previously existing Ombudsmen against Discrimination into a
single Equality Ombudsman with competence to receive and examine individual complaints concerning alleged cases of discrimination,
including on the grounds of age and transgender identity or expression. The Committee is concerned, however, that the State party has
still not established an independent national institution, with a broad competence in the area of human rights, in accordance with the Paris
Principles (General Assembly resolution 48/134: article 2 of the Covenant).
The State party should establish a national institution with a broad human rights mandate, and provide it with adequate financial and
human resources, in conformity with the Paris Principles.
Click here to read more »
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Ninety-fifth session
New York, 16 March-3 April 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE COVENANT
Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee
SWEDEN
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the timely submission of the sixth periodic report of Sweden in accordance with the guidelines and the
inclusion in the report of detailed information on the measures adopted to address the concerns expressed in the Committee’s previous
concluding observations (CCPR/CO/74/SWE). It is grateful to the State party for the written replies (CCPR/C/ SWE/Q/6/Add.1)
submitted in advance in response to the Committee’s written questions, and the additional information provided during the consideration
of the report. It also notes the State party’s consultation with non-governmental organisations during the preparation of the present
periodic report, as well as the delegation’s acknowledgment of the work of such organisations in providing the Committee with relevant
additional information.
B. Positive Aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the various legislative, administrative and practical measures taken to improve the promotion and
protection of human rights in the State party since the examination of the fifth periodic report, in particular:
(a) the inclusion of a new provision in the Constitution in 2003 (The Instrument of Government, Chapter 1, article 2, paragraph 4),
clarifying that public institutions shall combat discrimination of persons on grounds of gender, colour, national or ethnic origin, linguistic
or religious affiliation, functional disability, sexual orientation, age or other circumstance affecting the private person;
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
4. The Committee has noted the merger, in January 2009, of the four previously existing Ombudsmen against Discrimination into a
single Equality Ombudsman with competence to receive and examine individual complaints concerning alleged cases of discrimination,
including on the grounds of age and transgender identity or expression. The Committee is concerned, however, that the State party has
still not established an independent national institution, with a broad competence in the area of human rights, in accordance with the Paris
Principles (General Assembly resolution 48/134: article 2 of the Covenant).
The State party should establish a national institution with a broad human rights mandate, and provide it with adequate financial and
human resources, in conformity with the Paris Principles.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
The controversial 2008 wiretapping law continued to cause political turmoil in 2009, leading to the adoption of a revised version in
October. Demonstrations during the year over a range of issues resulted in several arrests, as well as an attack on the Iranian Embassy in
Stockholm.
Parliament passed the Signals Intelligence Act in June 2008, giving Sweden’s National Defense Radio Establishment the authority to tap
international phone calls, e-mails, and faxes without a court order. Following widespread public protest, the law was changed in
September to allow wire-tapping only in cases where external military threats were suspected and called for the creation of a special
court to monitor the eavesdropping. The law went into effect January 1, 2009 amid continued protest, including the resignation of the
head of the Swedish Intelligence Commission in February. The Riksdag narrowly passed an amended version of the bill in October,
specifying that only the government and military can request surveillance, communication sent and received inside Sweden are exempt
from surveillance, raw materials must be destroyed after one year, and those who have been monitored must be notified.
In March 2009, four men who ran the file-sharing website, Pirate Bay, were sentenced to one year in prison for violating copyright law,
and faced a fine of $3.5 million for damages caused by their site. An appeal was rejected in June. Following their convictions, 25,000
people joined the Pirate Party, a political party that supports open online exchange. The Pirate Party won two seats in the European
Parliamentary elections in June. Sweden held the EU Presidency from July to December 2009.
In April, information emerged that the government knew Swedish airports were used in 2005 as a stopping point for clandestine CIA
planes flying terror suspects out of the United States. The government had previously denied such knowledge in 2006.
A series of protests in 2009 led to several arrests. The most severe occurred in June when nearly 100 demonstrators protesting the
reelection of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stormed the Iranian Embassy in Stockholm and attacked an embassy worker.
Sweden is an electoral democracy. The unicameral Parliament, the Riksdag, has 349 members elected every four years by proportional
representation. A party must receive at least 4 percent of the vote nationwide or 12 percent in 1 of the 29 electoral districts to win
representation. The prime minister is appointed by the speaker of the Riksdag and confirmed by the body as a whole. King Carl XVI
Gustaf, crowned in 1973, is the largely ceremonial head of state.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
The controversial 2008 wiretapping law continued to cause political turmoil in 2009, leading to the adoption of a revised version in
October. Demonstrations during the year over a range of issues resulted in several arrests, as well as an attack on the Iranian Embassy in
Stockholm.
Parliament passed the Signals Intelligence Act in June 2008, giving Sweden’s National Defense Radio Establishment the authority to tap
international phone calls, e-mails, and faxes without a court order. Following widespread public protest, the law was changed in
September to allow wire-tapping only in cases where external military threats were suspected and called for the creation of a special
court to monitor the eavesdropping. The law went into effect January 1, 2009 amid continued protest, including the resignation of the
head of the Swedish Intelligence Commission in February. The Riksdag narrowly passed an amended version of the bill in October,
specifying that only the government and military can request surveillance, communication sent and received inside Sweden are exempt
from surveillance, raw materials must be destroyed after one year, and those who have been monitored must be notified.
In March 2009, four men who ran the file-sharing website, Pirate Bay, were sentenced to one year in prison for violating copyright law,
and faced a fine of $3.5 million for damages caused by their site. An appeal was rejected in June. Following their convictions, 25,000
people joined the Pirate Party, a political party that supports open online exchange. The Pirate Party won two seats in the European
Parliamentary elections in June. Sweden held the EU Presidency from July to December 2009.
In April, information emerged that the government knew Swedish airports were used in 2005 as a stopping point for clandestine CIA
planes flying terror suspects out of the United States. The government had previously denied such knowledge in 2006.
A series of protests in 2009 led to several arrests. The most severe occurred in June when nearly 100 demonstrators protesting the
reelection of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stormed the Iranian Embassy in Stockholm and attacked an embassy worker.
Sweden is an electoral democracy. The unicameral Parliament, the Riksdag, has 349 members elected every four years by proportional
representation. A party must receive at least 4 percent of the vote nationwide or 12 percent in 1 of the 29 electoral districts to win
representation. The prime minister is appointed by the speaker of the Riksdag and confirmed by the body as a whole. King Carl XVI
Gustaf, crowned in 1973, is the largely ceremonial head of state.
Click here to read more »
17 January 2011
URGENT ACTION
SWEDEN MUST STOP FORCED RETURNS to IRAQ
Amnesty International has received credible reports that the Swedish authorities are planning to forcibly return several individuals whose
asylum claims have been rejected to Baghdad, Iraq, on 19 January. Their lives could be at real risk in Iraq.
Credible sources have reported that several asylum-seekers are facing forced return to Baghdad, Iraq. Amnesty International understands
that they include at least 14 individuals originally from particularly dangerous provinces (including Baghdad, Kirkuk and Ninewa
(Mosul)), individuals from ethnic or religious minority groups who are at particular risk, or individuals who may face persecution on the
basis of their gender or political opinion.
The Swedish authorities have maintained a policy of enforcing returns of Iraqis whose asylum claims have been dismissed, despite clear
guidelines from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to the contrary. During 2009 and 2010 Swedish authorities forcibly returned Iraqis
whose asylum claims were rejected on charter flights organized jointly with other European states, including Norway, the Netherlands
and the UK. As recently as 15 December 2010, Sweden forcibly returned about 20 Iraqis to Baghdad. The UNHCR, reiterating its
objection to such forced returns on 17 December, noted that there were five Christians originally from Baghdad among those forcibly
returned. Christians have faced kidnapping and killing by armed groups. Dozens were killed in 2010, especially in Baghdad and Mosul,
and churches were bombed.
Amnesty International believes that it is not safe to forcibly return anyone to the Iraqi provinces of Ninewa (Mosul), Kirkuk, Diyala,
Salah al-Din and Baghdad, and to other particularly dangerous areas such as parts of Al Anbar province. Anyone facing forced return to
any of these areas, regardless of whether they originate from those areas, should be granted asylum or alternative forms of protection. In
those regions of Iraq serious risks, including the ongoing indiscriminate threats to life, physical integrity or personal freedom, arising
from violence or events seriously disturbing public order are all valid grounds for international protection.
Click here to read more »
URGENT ACTION
SWEDEN MUST STOP FORCED RETURNS to IRAQ
Amnesty International has received credible reports that the Swedish authorities are planning to forcibly return several individuals whose
asylum claims have been rejected to Baghdad, Iraq, on 19 January. Their lives could be at real risk in Iraq.
Credible sources have reported that several asylum-seekers are facing forced return to Baghdad, Iraq. Amnesty International understands
that they include at least 14 individuals originally from particularly dangerous provinces (including Baghdad, Kirkuk and Ninewa
(Mosul)), individuals from ethnic or religious minority groups who are at particular risk, or individuals who may face persecution on the
basis of their gender or political opinion.
The Swedish authorities have maintained a policy of enforcing returns of Iraqis whose asylum claims have been dismissed, despite clear
guidelines from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to the contrary. During 2009 and 2010 Swedish authorities forcibly returned Iraqis
whose asylum claims were rejected on charter flights organized jointly with other European states, including Norway, the Netherlands
and the UK. As recently as 15 December 2010, Sweden forcibly returned about 20 Iraqis to Baghdad. The UNHCR, reiterating its
objection to such forced returns on 17 December, noted that there were five Christians originally from Baghdad among those forcibly
returned. Christians have faced kidnapping and killing by armed groups. Dozens were killed in 2010, especially in Baghdad and Mosul,
and churches were bombed.
Amnesty International believes that it is not safe to forcibly return anyone to the Iraqi provinces of Ninewa (Mosul), Kirkuk, Diyala,
Salah al-Din and Baghdad, and to other particularly dangerous areas such as parts of Al Anbar province. Anyone facing forced return to
any of these areas, regardless of whether they originate from those areas, should be granted asylum or alternative forms of protection. In
those regions of Iraq serious risks, including the ongoing indiscriminate threats to life, physical integrity or personal freedom, arising
from violence or events seriously disturbing public order are all valid grounds for international protection.
Click here to read more »
EU: Defer Hasty Returns of Migrant Children
Better Safeguards Needed for Children who Arrive in Europe Alone
June 4, 2010
(Brussels) - The European Union Justice and Home Affairs Council conclusions on unaccompanied migrant children focus too much on
how to send them back to their countries of origin and too little on how to guarantee their safety, Human Rights Watch said today. The
conclusions were adopted on June 3, 2010.
"Returning migrant children to their country of origin just won't work for every child," said Simone Troller, children's rights researcher
at Human Rights Watch. "Before deporting vulnerable kids to places like Afghanistan, EU governments need to make sure it is in the
children's best interests."
The conclusions by the Justice and Home Affairs Council contain important positive points, Human Rights Watch said. Those include
recognition of the rights of these unaccompanied children and the need to protect them, the need to address gaps in legislation and
practice, and the importance of identifying solutions to meet the child's long-term needs based on an assessment of each child's situation
and needs.
However, the conclusions unduly emphasize returning these children to their country of origin over other options, Human Rights Watch
said. And they omit the need to ensure critical safeguards such as access to guardians and lawyers for unaccompanied children in the
EU, which put children at risk of being sent back in violation of international obligations.
A growing number of EU members and other European countries are actively planning the return of unaccompanied migrant children to
countries of origin, in particular to Afghanistan.
The UK Border Agency published a £4 million tender in late March to operate a reception center in Afghanistan, and to provide
reintegration assistance for approximately 12 boys, ages 16 and 17, and 120 adults a month, following their deportation from the UK.
Norway, which is not a EU member, has announced a plan to build a care center in the Afghan capital, Kabul, in reaction to an
increasing number of unaccompanied Afghan children arriving in Norway. Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands also plan to return
Afghan children to a reception center, according to press reports.
The EU's increasing attention to the fate of unaccompanied migrant children arriving to Europe is a step in the right direction, Human
Rights Watch said. In its five-year asylum and migration strategy (part of the "Stockholm Program") adopted at the end of 2009, the EU
calls for a joint and comprehensive response to address these children's fate, taking into account the children's best interests, and the
elaboration of an action plan.
Click here to read more »
Better Safeguards Needed for Children who Arrive in Europe Alone
June 4, 2010
(Brussels) - The European Union Justice and Home Affairs Council conclusions on unaccompanied migrant children focus too much on
how to send them back to their countries of origin and too little on how to guarantee their safety, Human Rights Watch said today. The
conclusions were adopted on June 3, 2010.
"Returning migrant children to their country of origin just won't work for every child," said Simone Troller, children's rights researcher
at Human Rights Watch. "Before deporting vulnerable kids to places like Afghanistan, EU governments need to make sure it is in the
children's best interests."
The conclusions by the Justice and Home Affairs Council contain important positive points, Human Rights Watch said. Those include
recognition of the rights of these unaccompanied children and the need to protect them, the need to address gaps in legislation and
practice, and the importance of identifying solutions to meet the child's long-term needs based on an assessment of each child's situation
and needs.
However, the conclusions unduly emphasize returning these children to their country of origin over other options, Human Rights Watch
said. And they omit the need to ensure critical safeguards such as access to guardians and lawyers for unaccompanied children in the
EU, which put children at risk of being sent back in violation of international obligations.
A growing number of EU members and other European countries are actively planning the return of unaccompanied migrant children to
countries of origin, in particular to Afghanistan.
The UK Border Agency published a £4 million tender in late March to operate a reception center in Afghanistan, and to provide
reintegration assistance for approximately 12 boys, ages 16 and 17, and 120 adults a month, following their deportation from the UK.
Norway, which is not a EU member, has announced a plan to build a care center in the Afghan capital, Kabul, in reaction to an
increasing number of unaccompanied Afghan children arriving in Norway. Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands also plan to return
Afghan children to a reception center, according to press reports.
The EU's increasing attention to the fate of unaccompanied migrant children arriving to Europe is a step in the right direction, Human
Rights Watch said. In its five-year asylum and migration strategy (part of the "Stockholm Program") adopted at the end of 2009, the EU
calls for a joint and comprehensive response to address these children's fate, taking into account the children's best interests, and the
elaboration of an action plan.
Click here to read more »
October 15, 2010
Statement by the Swedish Deputy Permanent Representative, H.E. Ms. Signe Burgstaller at the UN side event "Better data
and research to address violence against children".
Madam Moderator, fellow panelists, friends and colleagues,
At the outset, I would like to commend the Office of the SRSG on Violence against Children, UNICEF and OHCHR for organizing this
event and convening this forum. It is an honour for me to address it and to offer a Swedish perspective on the issue of preventing and
ending violence against children.
Why are children beaten? And why is this wrong – from a legal, moral, social and economic perspective? What can we learn from thirty
years of progressive bans on corporal punishment of children?
These are questions at the heart of our common endeavour to bring an end to violence against children. To answer them, and to make
further progress on the issue, we need to collect accurate data and conduct more research. That is the theme of today!
Let me start with the legal argument on why violence against children is wrong. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is clear: the
child is entitled to protection against all forms of physical and psychological violence – both at home and outside the family. The State
has the responsibility to guarantee this right for every girl and every boy. Politicians, religious leaders, the mass media, opinion-makers as
well as all specialists working with and for children, should also contribute to abolishing the violence that affects our children.
I am therefore encouraged by the SRSG’s ambition, as outlined in her first Annual Report, to strengthen research and mapping of legal
bans introduced throughout the world. And I would also encourage State Parties to the CRC to conduct their own studies of their
international legal obligations in this regard – and how these should be translated into domestic legislation.
I would like to continue with the moral argument or rationale behind CRC’s Article 19. We believe this is equally simple and evident:
violence against children is wrong because children, just as other human beings, have a right not to be beaten.
Is it also possible to measure the moral aspect? We can answer in the affirmative. Available data from Sweden shows that positive
attitudes towards corporal punishment – as well as the use of it – has decreased dramatically since the 1960s. In the 1960s over 50
percent of parents had a positive attitude towards corporal punishment, as compared to less than 10 percent in 2000. This is a
remarkable decline, although the decline in the percentage of parents who actually used physical punishment is even bigger; from almost
95 percent in the 1960s to just over 10 percent in 2000.
Click here to read more »
Statement by the Swedish Deputy Permanent Representative, H.E. Ms. Signe Burgstaller at the UN side event "Better data
and research to address violence against children".
Madam Moderator, fellow panelists, friends and colleagues,
At the outset, I would like to commend the Office of the SRSG on Violence against Children, UNICEF and OHCHR for organizing this
event and convening this forum. It is an honour for me to address it and to offer a Swedish perspective on the issue of preventing and
ending violence against children.
Why are children beaten? And why is this wrong – from a legal, moral, social and economic perspective? What can we learn from thirty
years of progressive bans on corporal punishment of children?
These are questions at the heart of our common endeavour to bring an end to violence against children. To answer them, and to make
further progress on the issue, we need to collect accurate data and conduct more research. That is the theme of today!
Let me start with the legal argument on why violence against children is wrong. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is clear: the
child is entitled to protection against all forms of physical and psychological violence – both at home and outside the family. The State
has the responsibility to guarantee this right for every girl and every boy. Politicians, religious leaders, the mass media, opinion-makers as
well as all specialists working with and for children, should also contribute to abolishing the violence that affects our children.
I am therefore encouraged by the SRSG’s ambition, as outlined in her first Annual Report, to strengthen research and mapping of legal
bans introduced throughout the world. And I would also encourage State Parties to the CRC to conduct their own studies of their
international legal obligations in this regard – and how these should be translated into domestic legislation.
I would like to continue with the moral argument or rationale behind CRC’s Article 19. We believe this is equally simple and evident:
violence against children is wrong because children, just as other human beings, have a right not to be beaten.
Is it also possible to measure the moral aspect? We can answer in the affirmative. Available data from Sweden shows that positive
attitudes towards corporal punishment – as well as the use of it – has decreased dramatically since the 1960s. In the 1960s over 50
percent of parents had a positive attitude towards corporal punishment, as compared to less than 10 percent in 2000. This is a
remarkable decline, although the decline in the percentage of parents who actually used physical punishment is even bigger; from almost
95 percent in the 1960s to just over 10 percent in 2000.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SWEDISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Motion 2010/11: K418 Creation of a Human Rights Commission
Motion to Parliament
by Mia Sydow Mölleby Others (V)
Creation of a Human Rights Commission
1 Proposal for a Parliament decision
Stockholm October 24, 2010
1st Parliament announces the Government of its meaning as stated in the motion that Sweden's international commitments on human
rights should be made clear in several laws.
2nd Parliament announces the Government of its meaning as stated in the motion on the incorporation of core human rights treaties into
domestic law.
3rd Parliament announces the Government of its meaning as stated in the motion that a national commission for human rights will be
established under the Parliament.
2 Background
Sweden has traditionally had a high reputation for its work on human rights in international forums. It is also evident in the increases that
the Swedes consider it a given that Sweden is to live up to international obligations and be a pioneer in areas such as work with
minorities.
Despite this, work on human rights is still primarily an issue when we discuss the conditions in other countries. In an article in Dagens
Nyheter describes the Delegation for Human Rights it this way: "When human rights are disregarded in Sweden generally seen as an
error or exception,"
Left Party shares this view and has therefore for many years pursued the issue of strengthening human rights and the status of
international conventions in Swedish law and therefore we welcome the conclusions that the above delegation will present with
satisfaction.
3 Strengthening the position of international conventions
Human Rights Delegation's report proposes that Sweden's international commitments on human rights should be made clear in several
laws. This applies primarily to those regulations that are intended to protect individuals who are particularly vulnerable or dependent on
public assistance. This may include people with disabilities, various minority groups, young or older in institutions and several other
groups.
Left welcomes the proposal with joy and believe it is high time that this is implemented in a broad sense. Sweden may routinely severe
criticism from the agency that monitors the Convention was different application of these conventions are made applicable in Swedish
law and is therefore not possible to invoke before the courts and authorities. This is of course very unsatisfactory for Sweden as a
country, but especially for all those who actually lose the opportunity to have their case heard in accordance with what Sweden actually
committed. The laws governing the rights of these groups should therefore be urgently reviewed and supplemented in a manner that
international commitments on human rights can be invoked in national courts. This should be the government announced.
Click here to read more »
Motion 2010/11: K418 Creation of a Human Rights Commission
Motion to Parliament
by Mia Sydow Mölleby Others (V)
Creation of a Human Rights Commission
1 Proposal for a Parliament decision
Stockholm October 24, 2010
1st Parliament announces the Government of its meaning as stated in the motion that Sweden's international commitments on human
rights should be made clear in several laws.
2nd Parliament announces the Government of its meaning as stated in the motion on the incorporation of core human rights treaties into
domestic law.
3rd Parliament announces the Government of its meaning as stated in the motion that a national commission for human rights will be
established under the Parliament.
2 Background
Sweden has traditionally had a high reputation for its work on human rights in international forums. It is also evident in the increases that
the Swedes consider it a given that Sweden is to live up to international obligations and be a pioneer in areas such as work with
minorities.
Despite this, work on human rights is still primarily an issue when we discuss the conditions in other countries. In an article in Dagens
Nyheter describes the Delegation for Human Rights it this way: "When human rights are disregarded in Sweden generally seen as an
error or exception,"
Left Party shares this view and has therefore for many years pursued the issue of strengthening human rights and the status of
international conventions in Swedish law and therefore we welcome the conclusions that the above delegation will present with
satisfaction.
3 Strengthening the position of international conventions
Human Rights Delegation's report proposes that Sweden's international commitments on human rights should be made clear in several
laws. This applies primarily to those regulations that are intended to protect individuals who are particularly vulnerable or dependent on
public assistance. This may include people with disabilities, various minority groups, young or older in institutions and several other
groups.
Left welcomes the proposal with joy and believe it is high time that this is implemented in a broad sense. Sweden may routinely severe
criticism from the agency that monitors the Convention was different application of these conventions are made applicable in Swedish
law and is therefore not possible to invoke before the courts and authorities. This is of course very unsatisfactory for Sweden as a
country, but especially for all those who actually lose the opportunity to have their case heard in accordance with what Sweden actually
committed. The laws governing the rights of these groups should therefore be urgently reviewed and supplemented in a manner that
international commitments on human rights can be invoked in national courts. This should be the government announced.
Click here to read more »
Swedish Oil Company Accused of War Crimes
08 June 2010
Swedish oil company Lundin Petroleum and the consortium it belonged to in Sudan were involved in war crimes and crimes against
humanity, according to a new report. The company has denied the accusations.
The claims centre around the period between 1997 and 2003 when ten thousand people were killed and nearly 200,000 were forced to
flee to southern Sudan.
Sudanese troops, in collaboration with militias, attacked and drove away the civilian population in areas where companies could extract
oil, according to a report that some backed by about 50 NGOs in the European Coalition on Oil in Sudan.
One of the authors of the report, Egbert Wesserlink, stresses that Lundin Petroleum did not carry out the suspected abuse. According to
him, they instead hired the Sudanese officers.
"Our conclusion is that Lundin contributed to there being war in the area and not to peace and development as they themselves claim," he
told Ekot.
In response, Lundin Chairman Ian H. Lundin said in a statement, "There is no new evidence in this report. The report repeats the
conclusions, innuendo and false allegations based on partisan and misleading information that was rejected during that time in a
document entitled 'Lundin Oil in Sudan, May 2001.'"
Oil companies Petronas and OMV were Lundin's partners in Sudan and the report asserts that companies had earlier received help by
Sudanese army and loyalist militias to fight other militias who had tried to stop oil extraction.
"It is not credible when Lundin said that they were unaware of the atrocities and war in the region," said Wesserlink, referring to Lundin
Petroleum repudiating the accusations in an email.
Shane Quinn, program officer at the Swedish Foundation for Human Rights, told The Local that it is good that this report comes out
now, even if it addresses events that ended seven years ago.
"There was an earlier report about them forcibly moving people," Quinn told The Local. "They've always gotten off scot-free and there
has been extremely little media coverage, maybe due to the Carl Bildt connection. It has always struck me as strange since Sweden has
this big human rights portfolio."
Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt was on the board of Lundin until 2006.
Shane Quinn added that it was worth investigating the coalition behind the report in terms of their agenda and whether they had a
religious lobby.
The allegations date back to the period after 1997 and when Lundin Oil, a firm that pre-dated Lundin Petroleum and has since been sold
to Canadian Talisman, owned rights to drill in the area.
Neither Lundin Oil nor Lundin Petroleum have extracted any oil from Sudan, while they have carried out a number of test drillings, after
the signing of a peace agreement in January 2005.
Sudan's civil war first broke out in 1955 and continued until 2005 after an interval of almost nine years from 1972. The conflict,
between the Muslim north and Christian south, is reported to have displaced 4 million southerners and claimed a total of 1.1 million lives.
Click here to read more>>
08 June 2010
Swedish oil company Lundin Petroleum and the consortium it belonged to in Sudan were involved in war crimes and crimes against
humanity, according to a new report. The company has denied the accusations.
The claims centre around the period between 1997 and 2003 when ten thousand people were killed and nearly 200,000 were forced to
flee to southern Sudan.
Sudanese troops, in collaboration with militias, attacked and drove away the civilian population in areas where companies could extract
oil, according to a report that some backed by about 50 NGOs in the European Coalition on Oil in Sudan.
One of the authors of the report, Egbert Wesserlink, stresses that Lundin Petroleum did not carry out the suspected abuse. According to
him, they instead hired the Sudanese officers.
"Our conclusion is that Lundin contributed to there being war in the area and not to peace and development as they themselves claim," he
told Ekot.
In response, Lundin Chairman Ian H. Lundin said in a statement, "There is no new evidence in this report. The report repeats the
conclusions, innuendo and false allegations based on partisan and misleading information that was rejected during that time in a
document entitled 'Lundin Oil in Sudan, May 2001.'"
Oil companies Petronas and OMV were Lundin's partners in Sudan and the report asserts that companies had earlier received help by
Sudanese army and loyalist militias to fight other militias who had tried to stop oil extraction.
"It is not credible when Lundin said that they were unaware of the atrocities and war in the region," said Wesserlink, referring to Lundin
Petroleum repudiating the accusations in an email.
Shane Quinn, program officer at the Swedish Foundation for Human Rights, told The Local that it is good that this report comes out
now, even if it addresses events that ended seven years ago.
"There was an earlier report about them forcibly moving people," Quinn told The Local. "They've always gotten off scot-free and there
has been extremely little media coverage, maybe due to the Carl Bildt connection. It has always struck me as strange since Sweden has
this big human rights portfolio."
Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt was on the board of Lundin until 2006.
Shane Quinn added that it was worth investigating the coalition behind the report in terms of their agenda and whether they had a
religious lobby.
The allegations date back to the period after 1997 and when Lundin Oil, a firm that pre-dated Lundin Petroleum and has since been sold
to Canadian Talisman, owned rights to drill in the area.
Neither Lundin Oil nor Lundin Petroleum have extracted any oil from Sudan, while they have carried out a number of test drillings, after
the signing of a peace agreement in January 2005.
Sudan's civil war first broke out in 1955 and continued until 2005 after an interval of almost nine years from 1972. The conflict,
between the Muslim north and Christian south, is reported to have displaced 4 million southerners and claimed a total of 1.1 million lives.
Click here to read more>>
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| Click flag for Country Report |
Carl XVI Gustaf
King since 19 September 1973
King since 19 September 1973
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Crown Princess
Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree
Heir Apparent since 14 July 1977
Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree
Heir Apparent since 14 July 1977
Jan Bjorklund
Deputy Prime Minister
since 5 October 2010
Deputy Prime Minister
since 5 October 2010
