UN - United Nations
The United Nations (United Nations) was founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries with the aim of preserving peace, protecting human rights and promoting international cooperation. Today, almost all the world's countries are involved - a total of 193 member states.
UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
On 10 December 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It contains 30 articles and states that all people are born free and equal in value and rights.
- Article 1: All men are born free and equal in value and rights
- Article 3: Right to life, liberty and security of person
- Article 5: Prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment
- Article 7: Right to equal protection before the law without discrimination
- Article 18: Freedom of thought, conscience and religion
- Article 19: Freedom of expression
- Article 23: Right to work and fair working conditions
- Article 26: Right to education
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - law in Sweden since 2020
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted in 1989. Sweden ratified it in 1990, but it was not until January 1, 2020 that the CRC actually became law in Sweden. This means that all authorities, courts and municipalities must apply the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- 1. Non-discrimination: all children have the same rights
- 2. The best interests of the child: in all decisions concerning children, the best interests of the child must be put first
- 3. Right to life and development: every child has the right to live and develop
- 4. Right to be heard: children should be able to express their opinions on issues that concern them
Five national minorities
In 2000, Sweden recognized five national minorities. These groups have historical roots in Sweden and have been here for generations. They have the right to support to preserve their culture and languages.
- Sami – Sweden's indigenous people; lives in Sápmi (Lapland); reindeer herding tradition
- Romans - with roots from India; in Sweden since the 16th century
- Jews – in Sweden since the 1770s; full rights from 1870
- Swedish Finns – people with Finnish roots, often from the border areas or post-war labor migration
- Tornedalingar – minority in Tornedalen on the Finnish border; speaks Meänkieli
The Sami - an indigenous people
The Sami are recognized as an indigenous people in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia. They have lived in Sápmi for thousands of years and traditionally make a living from reindeer husbandry, fishing and hunting. The Sami culture and the Sami languages are unique and protected by law.
The Sami Parliament is the Sami people's own parliament in Sweden. It is elected every four years by Sámi who are registered in the Sámi voter register. The Sami Parliament works to preserve and strengthen Sami culture, language and rights.
LGBTQI rights in Sweden
Sweden has been at the forefront when it comes to rights for gay, bi, trans and queer people. Several historical milestones have been reached here.
- 1944: Homosexuality was decriminalized in Sweden
- 1972: Sweden was the first country in the world to allow legal gender change
- 1979: WHO removed homosexuality from its disease classification; Sweden led the work
- 1994: Same-Sex Couples Registered Partnership Act
- 2003: Homosexual couples gained the right to adopt children
- 2009: Gender-neutral marriage code – all couples, regardless of gender, can marry
The Discrimination Ombudsman (DO)
DO is a government agency that works to combat discrimination and for equal rights and opportunities for everyone. The authority investigates reports of discrimination and can pursue cases in court.
The Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination on seven grounds: gender, transgender identity, ethnic affiliation, religion, disability, sexual orientation and age.
Equality - Sweden at the top of the world
Sweden consistently ranks among the five most equal countries in the world according to the World Economic Forum's global gender equality index. Factors that come into play are the proportion of women in politics, on the labor market and in leading positions, as well as equal salary development.
- Half of the government's ministers are women (historical norm since the 1990s)
- Parental insurance is designed to encourage fathers to take time off
- The Riksdag has had approximately 45–50% female members during the 2000s
- Gender-neutral education in preschool and school