Amnesty sees Sweden: “Completely unacceptable”

The ongoing conflicts around the world have had devastating consequences for ordinary people. In addition, disinformation is spreading faster than ever thanks to the increased use of AI. In its report “The state of the world’s human rights”, Amnesty International has examined the state of human rights in 155 countries, including Sweden.

– The development of human rights in Sweden is going in the wrong direction. Instead of a rights-based perspective on our societal challenges, many of the political proposals risk leading to structural racism, collective punishment and suspicion of certain groups in society. It is completely unacceptable, says Anna Johansson, Amnesty International Sweden’s general secretary, in a comment.

Amnesty believes that freedom of demonstration in Sweden has been challenged. Climate activists who have carried out peaceful actions, such as civil disobedience, have continued to face serious criminal charges, including sabotage. After the repeated Koran burnings in 2023, the government announced that it would review the Swedish public order law. Amnesty points out, however, that all measures that limit freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be compatible with international law

The rights of the Sami must be better protected

Another aspect highlighted regarding Sweden, as the UN also did earlier this year, is the increasing pressure on Sami traditional lands from mining, logging and wind power projects.

“If the Sami people’s fundamental rights to influence over their traditional lands are not guaranteed, Sweden fails to live up to its international commitments regarding the rights of indigenous peoples”, it can be read

– The UN has spoken clearly and called on Sweden to take comprehensive measures to protect Sami rights in large-scale land projects. Amnesty wants to see an end to old colonial patterns and believes that Sweden needs new legislation that clearly strengthens the protection of indigenous rights. The Sami people and their knowledge must be treated as part of the solution when we restructure our society, concludes Anna Johansson.