Our work

Annual report on the status of rights in Sweden

Each year, we submit an annual report to the Government and Parliament. The report describes the human rights situation in Sweden, analyses how it has evolved over the year, and provides recommendations to improve access to human rights.

This report is a vital tool for tracking long-term developments and is intended to support not only the Government and Parliament, but also other public actors in fulfilling Sweden’s international human rights obligations.

Read our latest annual report Pdf, 903 kB.

Reviewing how rights are respected in practice

We closely monitor how human rights are implemented in Sweden by examining legislation, policy proposals and public practices. Our aim is to identify and understand the real-world impact on different groups and to propose practical improvements where necessary.

Reports to international monitoring bodies

We contribute to international human rights processes by submitting parallel reports to United Nations monitoring committees. These reports complement the official state submissions and highlight gaps or weaknesses in human rights protection.

By offering independent and in-depth analysis, we help international bodies gain a more comprehensive picture of the human rights situation in Sweden, amplifying the voices of rights holders and encouraging accountability.

Our own reviews and reports

Beyond international reporting, we publish our own thematic reviews, reports and statements on key human rights issues. Topics may range from children’s rights in social services to the rights of older persons in long-term care.

Our goal is always the same: to identify gaps in human rights protection, assess the consequences of these gaps, and recommend solutions to address them.

Our reviews and reports

Monitoring the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Swedish Institute for Human Rights has a dedicated mandate to promote, protect and monitor Sweden’s compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Our work includes:

• Conducting thematic studies on key human rights issues
• Tracking Sweden’s progress in implementing the CRPD and responding to UN recommendations
• Advising the Government and other public actors on how to better uphold the human rights of persons with disabilities
• Engaging in international cooperation with peer institutions and UN bodies

We collaborate actively with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations. This engagement is central to both our specific mandate to promote, protect and monitor the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and our general mandate to promote human rights in Sweden. To support this work, we have developed an annual work structure that ensures long-term planning and aids active involvement of persons with disabilities.

Raising awareness of human rights

We believe that knowledge is a prerequisite for the realization of human rights. We therefore engage in various forms of knowledge sharing—through reports, recommendations, events and networks.
Our aim is to strengthen both rights-holders and duty-bearers by equipping them with the tools and understanding needed to apply human rights in everyday practice.

Dialogue and networks for change

Civil society plays a vital role in advancing democracy and human rights. These actors often work at the grassroots level and provide crucial insights that may not be visible from a national perspective.
That is why dialogue with civil society and individual rights holders is at the heart of our work. We also engage regularly with public authorities, researchers and other stakeholders to gain a comprehensive view of how human rights are being upheld.

By participating in various networks, we exchange knowledge, identify shared challenges and develop collective strategies for improvement. One of our networks targets professionals and volunteers working in the field of human rights in both the public and non-profit sectors.

International cooperation

We actively engage in international collaboration with human rights bodies and institutions around the world. This includes sharing experiences, participating in international forums, and supporting human rights development both in Sweden and internationally.

We also assist international monitoring mechanisms, such as the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI ) or UN Special Rapporteurs, by providing background information and facilitating visits to Sweden.

Influencing decision-making

We regularly submit formal comments and opinions to the Government and public authorities. These submissions aim to influence the development of laws, strategies and decisions that significantly affect human rights.

Our contributions are grounded in human rights analysis and seek to prevent violations, promote accountability, and improve rights protection in everyday life.

Amicus Curiae: Supporting the Courts

The Institute for Human Rights can also submit amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs to the Supreme Court of Sweden. These legal opinions help illuminate the human rights implications of specific cases, in line with our mandate.

While we do not investigate individual complaints, our amicus briefs aim to support the judiciary by offering expert insights into relevant human rights standards.
We issue a small number of such opinions each year, focused on advancing the interpretation and application of human rights in Swedish jurisprudence.