Democracy and human rights

As the EU heads of state and government meet in the European Council in Brussels, the agenda includes the COVID-19 vaccine situation and how the EU can advance digital transformation. The high energy prices in many Member States will also be discussed. At Sweden’s initiative, the leaders will hold a strategic discussion on trade issues.

Opening statement by the Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, Ann Linde, Minister for Foreign Affairs Sweden, at the 30-year anniversary for the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Warsaw on 14 October 2021.

Arrivals and doorstep at Malmömässan

The Holocaust was driven by hatred against Jews. However, it affected not only Jews but the whole society. Antisemitism is a concern for society as a whole and may be symptomatic of eroding democracy. Contemporary antisemitism, antigypsyism and other forms of racism and intolerance exist in many forms and flourish in different contexts. Wherever we see it, we must both react – and – act. The concluding Plenary Session focuses on action, the steps forward to ensure implementation of the pledges presented at the Forum, and how we can join forces to strengthen the work for Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism and other forms of racism.

Today, few survivors remain to bear witness to the horrors of the Holocaust. The opening Plenary Session reflects on the consequences of the diminishing number of survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust, the Roma genocide and the persecution that different groups were exposed to during the Holocaust. The international community has an obligation to ensure that the Holocaust is remembered and that future generations understand the causes of and the process leading up to the Holocaust, and to reflect on its consequences to prevent this from ever happening again

The programme format will be interactive and action-oriented, with a focus on discussions between Heads of Delegations with active moderation. The head moderator of the Malmö Forum is Ms. Hala Gorani, anchor and correspondent for CNN International. HM King Carl XVI Gustaf and HM Queen Silvia will honour the Malmö Forum with their presence throughout the day the 13 October.

In response to the ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe, Sweden and others have signed a pledge for greater openness and transparency in the EU. All Member States, 37 MEPs, the European Commission and the European Ombudsman have signed the pledge, committing to work for greater transparency in the EU institutions.

Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde are travelling to New York for the opening of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on 21 September 2021.

Sweden will assume the Presidency of the IHRA from March 2022 to the end of February 2023. This was Sweden’s first pledge in connection with the Malmö Forum. Pledges presented at the Malmö Forum will be followed up during the Swedish Presidency. The ambition of the Swedish Government is to implement the measures below and allocate a total amount of approximately EUR 9.3 million/year.

On 13th of October Prime Minister Stefan Löfven is hosting the Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism, Remember ReAct.

There are currently several cases before the European Court of Human Rights against the French law banning sexual purchases. This is due to the legislation the country introduced in 2016 which included a ban on the purchase of sexual services. Sweden has requested and been granted the right to take part in the cases as a third party.

Discussions on the situation in Russia and how the EU should manage it, along with LGBTIQ issues, dominated the EU summit on 24–25 June. Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and other EU leaders also addressed the COVID-19 situation and the economic recovery.

When the EU’s heads of state and government meet in Brussels on 24–25 June, they will discuss the economic situation in the EU, migration and a number of foreign policy issues. They will also look at activities related to COVID-19. Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and his colleagues will kick off the summit with a working lunch with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Webinar 28 May 2021, organised by the Academy of Finland project ‘Transparency in the EU – From Reaction to Manifesto’ (TrUE), Erik Castrén Institute of International Law and Human Rights and in cooperation with the Open Government in the EU Blog Check against delivery

This material provides an overview of main areas of the Government policy on gender equality. It describes current political goals and strategies and gives a brief historical background to important reforms. It also identifies further remaining challenges and explains how the feminist Government is addressing these and what measures are taken in order to initiate change.

Special session of the General Assembly, United Nations, New York, 2–4 June 2021 Check against delivery

Democracy is worth protecting – every day. The freedom to choose, speak, think and love can never be taken for granted. The same applies to people’s right to exercise influence, vote and be treated equally under the law. Sweden will continue to do all it can to be a strong voice and actor for democratic development in the world. We are now stepping up our efforts to protect democracy.

No country can tackle the world’s challenges alone: wars and conflicts, climate change, poverty, lack of equality, lack of respect for human rights, nuclear weapons proliferation – unfortunately the list is long. International cooperation is vital – and it makes us stronger. Sweden remains a firm and tireless voice for more – not less – cooperation.

Sweden has long been at the forefront of promoting, protecting and safeguarding democracy throughout the world. The MFA’s drive for democracy will deepen and strengthen these efforts. “The drive for democracy is a reaction to the pushback against democracy around the world. When authoritarian powers grow stronger, the foundation of our safety and security is under threat. Sweden has a long tradition and strong engagement in the area of human rights. We are now pulling out all the stops to protect democracy,” says Annika Ben David, Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.