Children’s rights
Children’s rights are based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and are about safeguarding the rights and interests of children and young people in society. This area covers all activities that affect children, such as education policy, migration policy, culture policy and social services policy.
Responsible for children’s rights
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News about children’s rights
The Convention on the Rights of the Child becomes Swedish law
Today Sweden takes a historic next step by incorporating the Convention on the Rights of the Child into Swedish law. It is a step to further protect the rights of the child and ensure that children are provided with the conditions necessary for their development. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, which makes clear that a child under the age of 18 has specific rights, is one of the most important tools for ensuring that children’s rights are met. The Convention states, for example, that children have the right to protection from violence, the right to education and the right to benefit from social security. It also states that children have the right to freely express their views in all matters affecting them and to be listened to – a right that is essential both for the individual child and for creating a better society for all children. A core principle of the Convention is that in all actions concerning children, the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration.
Content about children’s rights
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Government intensifies efforts against men’s violence against women and honour-related violence and oppression
Preventing and combating men’s violence against women and honour-related violence and oppression is a highly prioritised issue for the Government. By adopting decision on the appropriation directions for 2021, the Government has allocated SEK 240 million to efforts combating violence and given several government agencies assignments in this area. Several assignments will focus on stopping honour-related violence and oppression. An additional SEK 130 million has also been allocated to the county administrative boards and municipalities to support efforts to combat violence. Several anti-violence initiatives are expected in 2021, with additional funds earmarked for this purpose.
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Investments in the Budget Bill for 2021 to make Sweden safer and more secure
Enhancing safety and security in society is one of the Government’s most important priorities. In the Budget Bill for 2021, the Government continues to strengthen the judicial chain through important investments in the Swedish Police Authority and the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.
· Article from Ministry of Justice
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Measures to address increased vulnerability due to the coronavirus
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus and the spread of the COVID-19 disease have resulted in a global crisis affecting human life and health. At the same time, the socio-economic consequences and financial impacts on many families are contributing to increased stress and anxiety. Crisis and disaster research shows that the crisis is affecting the population unequally. Those with the least resources and in the most disadvantaged circumstances are generally those who suffer the greatest strain.
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Protection against honour-related crime to be further strengthened
In a proposal referred to the Council on Legislation for consideration, the Government proposes that a new child marriage offence be introduced that can result in imprisonment for up to four years. The Government also proposes new grounds for tougher penalties for ‘honour’ crimes and a new instrument, a travel ban, to further strengthen protection against honour-related crime.
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Questions and answers about incorporating UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Swedish law
On 1st of January 2020 The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Act (2018:1197) entered into force.
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All people must have control over their own lives
Listen to Åsa Lindhagen, Minister for Gender Equality with responsibility for anti-discrimination and anti-segregation, talk about what changes she wants to see and which issue she will be addressing first.
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Fact sheet: National action plan to combat female genital mutilation
In June 2018, the Government adopted a national action plan to combat female genital mutilation.The aim of the action plan is to prevent and combat female genital mutilation and improve victim support, to achieve the Government’s goals for gender equality policy, child rights policy and youth policy, as well as the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
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Swedish Explantation of Vote at the UN Security Council Adoption of Resolution 2421/UNAMI
Explantation of Vote delivered by Ambassador Carl Skau on behalf of Sweden at the United Nations Security Council Adoption of Resolution 2421 (2018), renewing the mandate of UNAMI, 14 June 2018, New York.
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Convention on the Rights of the Child will become Swedish law
On 13 June, the Riksdag (the Swedish parliament) adopted a bill on making the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Swedish law. In order for the convention to have a greater impact, the Government is also proposing a guidance document, an education initiative and continued systematic transformation work.
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Swedish statement at the UN Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
National statement delivered by Ambassador Olof Skoog on behalf of Sweden at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, 15 May 2018, New York.