Geneva, May 5, 2025 – The United Nations Human Rights Council has concluded its review of Sweden's human rights record, with the country facing criticism from other nations on various issues. The five-year review process, which is mandatory for all UN Member States, provides an opportunity for countries to assess their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Sweden's delegation to the UPR was led by State Secretary Dag Hartelius, who emphasized the importance of the review process in promoting respect for human rights globally. "We consider the UPR a key tool in our efforts to protect human rights around the world," Hartelius stated. "It allows us to identify areas where we can improve and strengthen our protections, while also learning from other countries' experiences."
The review process highlighted several concerns raised by other UN Member States, including issues related to LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, and migrant workers' protection. While Sweden has made significant strides in these areas, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of these challenges.
Civil society organizations played a crucial role in the UPR process, submitting their own reports and participating in Geneva's discussions. These groups have long advocated for stronger protections and greater accountability in Sweden's human rights policies.
The Swedish Government has acknowledged these concerns and pledged to continue working towards improving its human rights record. As part of this effort, the country will submit a report detailing its progress and actions taken in response to the UPR recommendations.
The Universal Periodic Review is an important mechanism for promoting respect for human rights globally, providing a platform for countries to engage with each other on these critical issues. For Sweden, the process offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and learn from the experiences of other nations.
Significant Recommendations:
• LGBTQ+ rights: Many countries expressed concern over Sweden's progress in promoting LGBTQ+ equality, citing gaps in laws and policies.
• Racial equality: Some UN Member States criticized Sweden for not doing enough to address systemic racism and discrimination against minority groups.
• Migrant workers' protection: Critics argued that Sweden needs to strengthen its protections and support for migrant workers, who often face exploitation and abuse.
Conclusion: The UN Universal Periodic Review provides a critical platform for countries to assess their human rights records and identify areas for improvement. For Sweden, the process offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and learn from the experiences of other nations. As the country moves forward, it will be essential to address these concerns and continue working towards a stronger protection of human rights globally.