Press release 30 September 2008
Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Government to reinforce democracy assistance

Yesterday the Government presented a written communication on Sweden´s democracy assistance to the Riksdag, and in doing so took another important step towards changing Swedish development assistance.

"The Government is now paving the way for a remodelling of Swedish democracy assistance. We are strengthening our instruments for promoting democratisation on the basis of a sharper focus on civil and political rights," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

In the communication to the Riksdag, entitled "Freedom from oppression" (Frihet från förtryck), the Government sets out the approach to be followed in the new democracy assistance.

Firstly, Swedish contributions to development activities are to be based on an indefatigable commitment to civil and political rights.

Secondly, Swedish contributions are to concentrate more on strengthening the institutions and procedures of democracy and the rule of law.

Thirdly, Swedish democracy assistance is to centre on the agents of democratisation, in the realisation that without democrats there can be no democracy.

At present Swedish democracy assistance adds up to some SEK 4.3 billion per year. In 2009 we will increase resources for democracy by a further SEK 100 million, with a view to paving the way for a clearer focus in Sweden´s overall assistance for democracy and human rights. As a stage in this remodelling, the Government is now beginning a multi-year initiative for democratisation and freedom of expression so as to give Swedish embassies flexibility in supporting agents of democratic change, initiatives for enhanced freedom of expression and important processes of democratisation in countries where the needs for such support are particularly obvious.

Working for the EU to make use of its potential as one of the most important global actors in the fight for democracy and human rights is high on the Governments agenda for Sweden's EU Presidency.