The democracy policy aims at safeguarding and deepening Swedish democracy and includes measures to achieve greater and more equal participation on the part of ordinary people. Issues related to democracy are linked to efforts to secure full respect for, and greater knowledge of human rights. Work to promote and increase respect for human rights in Swedish foreign policy is a priority issue, affecting all aspects of foreign policy.
International Children's Day in Sweden
International Children's Day is linked to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child from 20 November 1989. The United Nations encouraged all states to establish a children's day as early as 1953. Each country decides itself when the day is to be celebrated. In Sweden, International Children's Day is celebrated on the first Monday in October. The idea is that all sectors of society are to focus on the needs and rights of the child on this day. (Photo: Ingram)
Focus on Georgia
On Tuesday, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage presented a report of activities in the Committee of Ministers during Sweden's Chairmanship. The focus was on the Georgian conflict when the Swedish Chairmanship reported to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
MFA at Göteborg Book Fair
Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson will take part in two seminars at the Göteborg Book Fair on Saturday. On Sunday, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will answer questions at the Government Offices' stand.
Ministry for Foreign Affairs' representatives will be in attendance throughout the Fair and will provide information about the Government's work with human rights.
Carl Bildt and Alexander Stubb on the human rights situation in Georgia
Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb of Finland and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt of Sweden met today in Brussels as chairs of the OSCE and the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe respectively. Regarding the situation in Georgia, they called for a strict adherence to the six-point ceasefire agreement of the French and Russian Presidents.
Swede elected to the UN Human Rights Committee
Swedish judge Krister Thelin was elected today to the UN Human Rights Committee. Mr Thelin is currently serving as a judge with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
- Stockholm strategy for a more child-friendly Europe Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, 10 September 2008
- Carl Bildt welcomes release of political prisoners in Belarus Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 21 August 2008
- Election observers to Belarus Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 15 August 2008
- Statement by Carl Bildt on Zimbabwe Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 27 June 2008
Sweden is to chair the Council of Europe from May until November. Read more on the Swedish Chair's website.
HumanRights.gov.se
The Swedish Government's web site with facts, news and policies on Human Rights in Sweden and international conventions.
Human Rights in Sweden's Foreign Policy
Concern for international law and human rights permeates Sweden's actions as a member of the United Nations, of the EU and other bodies, and in Sweden's bilateral contacts.
