The rights of national minorities in Sweden

It has been 25 years since Sweden ratified the Council of Europe's minority conventions. Does Sweden ensure the rights of national minorities? If not, what are the obstacles? And what measures does Sweden need to take?

This report aims to present the DO’s observations and experiences regarding developments over the 25 years since the ratification of the Minority Conventions. The report also provides recommendations, including proposals for measures to prevent discrimination against individuals belonging to national minorities and to ensure the national minorities access to the rights under the Minority Conventions.

The report is grounded in the DO’s mission and Sweden’s obligations under the Minority Conventions, drawing on experience from the DO’s long-term work to combat discrimination against Jews, Roma, Sami, Swedish Finns and Tornedalians.

Throughout history, the five minorities have been subjected to various forms of discrimination and abuse. Both the Government and society at large have contributed to the suppression of the languages, traditions, religions and cultural heritage of national minorities. The recognition of national minorities 25 years ago thus marked a clear and important shift in the Swedish Government’s approach to minority policy. However, the living conditions of national minorities are still shaped by the effects of historical violations and abuses and by discrimination that continues in the present day.