Minorities in Sweden Face Ongoing Discrimination Despite 25 Years of Conventions

Published:

Minorities in Sweden Face Ongoing Discrimination Despite 25 Years of Conventions
Photo: Christine Olsson/TT

Minorities are still being discriminated against in Sweden despite 25 years of the Council of Europe's minority conventions, according to a report from the Discrimination Ombudsman.

The Equality Ombudsman notes "significant shortcomings" in how Sweden complies with the conventions that were ratified in 2000. More must be done to ensure the rights of Jews, Roma, Sami, Finland-Swedes and Tornedalians.

The living conditions of minorities are characterized by "effects of violations and abuses throughout history".

"Children are still faced with prohibitions against speaking their native language in school, harassment is common, the conditions for preserving and developing their language and culture are limited, and experiences of ethnic profiling reduce trust in authorities," says Equality Ombudsman Lars Arrhenius in a press release.

The Equality Ombudsman proposes, among other things, amendments to the Discrimination Act and that bilingual education and elderly care are ensured.

Loading related articles...

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers

More news

Loading related posts...