Human rights in focus at Stockholm International Fairs in Älvsjö
On Monday and Tuesday next week it is time for the Human Rights Days at Stockholm International Fairs in Älvsjö. There will be seminars, speakers and workshops. One of the seminars will focus on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the country reviews carried out by the UN Human Rights Council. Next year Sweden will be reviewed. Anna Öberg from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will be attending the seminar. Here she explains what the UPR is.
What is the UPR?
The UPR is a new element in the UN's human rights work and the reviews are carried out by the Human Rights Council in Geneva. It enables the continuous review of all UN member states' observance of human rights.
Why is Sweden being reviewed?
Sweden will undergo review, just like every other UN member state. The order of review is decided by lot, and it just happens to be Sweden's turn in May 2010. Eighty countries have already been reviewed.
How does the review process work?
During the review, the Human Rights Council assesses observance of human rights in Sweden and submits proposals for measures to improve this. The review is based on a national report put together by the Government Offices in consultation with the institutions concerned and civil society in Sweden. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights also compiles documents on Swedens commitments and action concerning conventions and other regulations. NGOs and other relevant organisations also submit reports stating how well they believe Sweden respects human rights. These three reports form the basis of discussions during the actual review.
The seminar 'The New Star on the Human Rights Flag - UPR' will be held on Tuesday 17 November at 13.00 in room K13. The Government Offices will also be represented during the Human Rights Days with its own stand.
