Human Rights Defenders in Sweden

A person who stands up for human rights may be described as a human rights defender (HRD).

Everyone has the right to act as a human rights defender. No particular background or position in society is required.

This report provides an overview of the situation for human rights defenders in Sweden. It explains what unites human rights defenders, the risks they may face, and the responsibilities of the state. The report is based on the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and a unique survey involving approximately 100 people working with human rights in Sweden, both within civil society and public sector organisations.

We find that:

• The right to defend human rights is not clearly recognised in Sweden.
• Human rights defenders are subjected to threats, silencing, and financial pressures.
• The state has a responsibility to protect the rights of human rights defenders.
• The situation has been highlighted by the UN, the EU, and other international organisations.

We believe that a more coherent national approach is needed to safeguard the rights and working conditions of human rights defenders in Sweden. This should include strengthened knowledge, clearer monitoring, and more coordinated efforts across society. A new national strategy for human rights could provide direction for this work.

Our recommendations to the Parliament and Government of Sweden:

1. Recognise and highlight human rights defenders in the next national human rights strategy and action plan.
2. Ensure transparent and legally secure funding conditions for civil society organisations.
3. Prevent reprisals against human rights defenders within public sector institutions.
4. Strengthen protection for human rights defenders against threats, violence, and other forms of attack.