Human Rights in Sweden
Human rights protect the value and freedom of every individual. This module covers central conventions, gender equality, children's rights, and protection against discrimination.
What this module covers
- UN Declaration of Human Rights
- Gender Equality
- Children's Rights
- Protection Against Discrimination
- Right to Privacy
UN Declaration and the European Convention
The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948. Sweden is also bound by the European Convention on Human Rights, which is Swedish law and can be directly invoked in a Swedish court.
Gender Equality
Sweden has a strong gender equality policy. Women and men have the same rights, obligations, and opportunities in all areas of life.
Children's Rights
The Convention on the Rights of the Child has been Swedish law since 2020. Children have the right to protection, education, health, and to be heard in matters concerning them.
The Discrimination Act
The Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and age. Diskrimineringsombudsmannen (DO), the Equality Ombudsman, monitors the law.
Real-world examples
Example: Best interests of the child
In decisions concerning children, such as custody or asylum, the child's best interests must be given significant weight.
Example: Reporting discrimination
If you experience discrimination at work, you can report it to DO or your trade union.
Frequently asked questions
Practise Human Rights
Practise with questions on Medborgarprovet and develop your knowledge.