* This document contains the thirteenth and fourteenth periodic reports submitted in one document, due on 5 January 1997 and 1999, respectively. For the twelfth periodic report of Sweden and the summary records of the meetings at which the Committee considered that report, see documents CERD/C/280/Add.4 and CRD/C/SR.1224, 1225 and 1240.
The information submitted by Sweden in accordance with the consolidated guidelines for the initial part of the report of States parties is contained in HRI/CORE/1/Add.4.
1. This report contains a detailed account of measures adopted by the Swedish Government in accordance with the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination. The report also refers to the considerations of issues raised by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination during its fifty-first session. The main fount of legal protection against ethnic or racial discrimination is the Swedish Constitution (c.f. Part II, article 2 of Sweden's twelfth periodic report. Swedish penal legislation contains provisions prohibiting ethnic discrimination. Rules protecting the individual against ethnic discrimination are also to be found in the Countering Ethnic Discrimination in Working Life Act and the Ethnic Discrimination Ombudsman Act. Existing rules on ethnic discrimination were presented in Part II, article 2 of Sweden's latest twelfth report. An account of the measures adopted in relation to the provisions of the Convention since the twelfth periodic report is given below.
2. In the course of just a few decades, immigration has transformed Sweden into a country characterized by cultural and ethnic diversity. The total population of Sweden as of 31 December 1998 was 8,854,322 . More than 900,000 people currently domiciled in Sweden were born in another country. Of these, over 40 per cent have lived in Sweden for 20 years or more. A further 700,000 people were born in Sweden but have roots in another country through at least one parent. Between 1966 and 31 December 1997, 690,553 people were naturalized.
3. In its statement of policy following last year's general election, the Government set out its priorities for the coming electoral period. These included active measures for the promotion of equality between men and women in society, irrespective of ethnic or cultural background. The Government was at pains to emphasize that nazism, fascism and racism could never be tolerated in a democratic society.
4. The Government introduced a Bill on immigrant integration policy (see paragraphs 68-69 below) in September 1997. The Bill was approved by Parliament and has been in force since 1 January 1998.
5. Racism and ethnic discrimination are being combated in a number of ways. Broadly speaking, the measures applied fall into three main categories: judicial measures; integration policy measures aimed at safeguarding equal opportunities for immigrants and ethnic minorities; and public information and education, often in collaboration with organizations and institutions in civil society.
6. The relevant legal provisions are periodically reviewed by the Government with a view to ensuring that current issues are adequately addressed.
7. The Swedish Government refers the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to article 2 of its twelfth periodic report for an initial account of Swedish legislation designed to combat racial discrimination.
Article 2.1
8. Details of a new constitutional law, the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression, which came into force in 1992 are set out in paragraphs 25-30 of the Swedish Government's twelfth periodic report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
9. The Fundamental Law on the Freedom of Expression and the Penal Code have been amended to provide a wider range of opportunities for authorities to enable the courts to proceed against those responsible for producing sound recordings containing agitation against an ethnic group. The amendments, which are set out in article 4 a), paragraphs 45 and 949, were approved by Parliament and came into force on 1 January 1999.
10. In a Bill put before Parliament in 1997, the Government proposed that the Citizenship Act be amended to allow exemptions from the requirement to verify one's identity when applying for Swedish citizenship. The exemption is applicable if a person has been resident in Sweden for a minimum of eight years and can give the authorities reason to believe that his/her stated identity is correct. The Bill was approved by Parliament and the new regulations have been in force since 1 January 1999.
Swedish penal legislation
11. Under chapter 29, section 2, of the Penal Code, it shall be deemed an aggravating circumstance if a crime has been committed with the motive of aggrieving a persona crime is regarded as, a national or ethnic group, or other similar group of people by reason of because of race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religious belief or any similar circumstance. This provision is intended to enhance the overall protection of any victim against offences committed with a racist or similar motive. The said provision came into force on 1 July 1994 and is applicable to all kinds of crimes.
12. The Penal Code contains two provisions directly concerned with contempt or discrimination on the ground of race, colour, national or ethnic origin or religious creed, namely those relating to agitation against an ethnic group and unlawful discrimination. An initial account of these provisions is presented in paragraphs 31 and 32 of Sweden's twelfth periodic report.
Tort Liability Act
13. As a rule, victims of crimes are entitled to claim compensation for material damages, financial loss and personal injury.
14. Under chapter 1, section 3 of the Tort Liability Act, a person subjected to unlawful discrimination may be awarded compensation in mitigation of injury, loss or damage or other effects suffered by the victim of the offence. This compensation includes an element of reinstatement reparation for the degrading and outrageous treatment or injustice the victim may has been subjected to. Levels of compensation have been raised substantially during the 1990s.
The criminal justice system
15. A number of steps have been taken within the criminal justice system to counteract racism and xenophobia.
16. As mentioned in paragraph 37 of the twelfth periodic report, the Prosecutor General has launched several initiatives aimed at improving the investigation of reported crimes of a racist or similar character. For example, the spending directions accompanying the instrument which places government appropriations at his disposal require that the Prosecutor General include details of measures taken against crimes of a racist or similar character in his annual report. In his activity plan for 1998, the Prosecutor General instructed regional public prosecution offices to develop and improve the preliminary investigation procedure in cases of unlawful discrimination and other crimes of a racist or similar character.
17. In May 1999, the Prosecutor General instructed a newly appointed commission to look into ways of combating unlawful discrimination more effectively. The regional Office of Public Prosecution in Stockholm has been directed to account for the hitherto low rate of conviction for unlawful discrimination (for further information in this connection, see paragraph 22) and propose measures for improving working methods.
18. In the last two years, the police have taken a number of measures designed to prevent crimes motivated by racism or similar motives. Working closely with other authorities, such as schools or local organizations, the police aim to obtain information at an early stage as to when and where racist groups are likely to be formed. This early-warning system has made it easier for the police and other institutions to take preventive measures.
19. Under the spending directions accompanying its government appropriation, the police authority must accord special attention to crimes of a racist character. Measures taken to prevent the occurrence of crimes of these kinds are to be reported back to the Government.
20. Nearly all local police authorities have conducted surveys of people and organizations suspected of being engaged in racist activities. Some of these authorities have also drawn up guidelines on how to counteract these activities and organizations.
21. To counter racism and xenophobia, the National Police Board has issued a manual containing strategies for police intelligence and investigation and a strategy for effective cooperation between the police and the security police. The local police authorities use this manual in their efforts to combat racist groups.
22. Since 1990 there has been an increase in the number of reports to the police alleging agitation against an ethnic group and acts of unlawful discrimination. During the period 1990-1998, the number of reports alleging agitation against an ethnic group rose from 44 to 593. In the same period, the number of reports alleging acts of unlawful discrimination rose from 47 to 236. Before 1995, the annual number of convictions for agitation against an ethnic group did not exceed 10. In 1996, 1997 and 1998, 36, 31 and 9966 persons respectively were convicted. The annual number of convictions for unlawful discrimination in the same period has been less than five.
23. A plausible explanation for the rising number of reports of alleged agitation against an ethnic group and acts of unlawful discrimination is increased media coverage of racist and xenophobic criminality, which can have had a favourable impact on the tendency to report these crimes. However, a large number of alleged offences may still go unreported, making it difficult to estimate the true extent of these crimes.
24. According to the National Council for Crime Prevention, there is some indication that these crimes may be on the increase.
25. In May 1999, a one-person committee of inquiry assisted by a panel of experts was appointed to The Government is planning a review of the provision on unlawful discrimination in the Penal Code. The reviewing body should consider the question of whether the provision should be extended or re-framed in such a way as to make it a more effective measure against unlawful discrimination.
26. As mentioned in paragraph 12, some provisions in the Penal Code include a clear reference to motives of racism and xenophobia, such as agitation against an ethnic group and unlawful discrimination. With other types of offences, such as assault, harassment or unlawful threats, the provision in the Penal Code on aggravating circumstances, referred to in paragraph 11, is applicable if the offence is committed with such a motive.
27. Since 1993, the Swedish Security Police have compiled statistical data at national level on crimes containing racist and xenophobic motives, including agitation against an ethnic group, unlawful discrimination or other crimes related to racism or xenophobia. According to these figures, about 1,300 crimes of some 80 different types, including assault, arson, vandalism and harassment, with a racist or xenophobic background out of a total of 1.2 million reported crimes were reported to the police in 1997. The Security Service's statistics are compiled and presented in a report which is distributed to the police and other authorities.
28. A working group on racial and xenophobic violence appointed by the Government presented a report in May 1998 recommending a number of ways to counteract crimes motivated by racism and xenophobia. These recommendations are aimed at enhancing public knowledge about human rights, other religions and cultures and racism and xenophobia. According to the report, there are indications that activities based on ideas of racial superiority and the availability and extent of racist and xenophobic material have been on the increase since the beginning of the 1980s.
New legislation on measures to counteract ethnic discrimination in working life
29. In January 1997, a Commission of Inquiry was set up to review the Ethnic Discrimination Act. In its report, issued in 1997, the Commission recommended a new Act on Measures to Counteract Ethnic Discrimination in Working Life. On the basis of this recommendation, the Government submitted a Bill to Parliament in May 1998. The Bill was approved and the new regulations came into force on 1 May 1999.
30. The new Countering Ethnic Discrimination in Working Life Act prohibits direct or indirect discrimination, regardless of whether an employer has acted with discriminatory intent. It also requires employers to take active measures to promote ethnic diversity in the workplace. The Act confers protection against ethnic discrimination throughout the entire recruitment process and contains provisions regulating the treatment of employees. Ethnic discrimination in other sectors of society is covered by the Ethnic Discrimination Ombudsman Act, which also came into force on 1 May 1999. Apart from the provisions relating to working life, the content of this Act is the same as that of the previous Ethnic Discrimination Act discussed in paragraphs 40-56 of the twelfth periodic report.
The Children's Ombudsman
31. Under the terms of the Children's Ombudsman Act, the Children's Ombudsman is required to examine and, where necessary, follow up issues that affect the interests of all children and young people. The Children's Ombudsman must ensure that Sweden's laws and regulations are in conformity with the country's obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which defines a child as a person under the age of 18.
Article 2.2
32. In May 1995, the Government appointed a committee charged with the task of examining the case for Sweden's ratification of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. This was referred to in paragraph 8 of Sweden's twelfth periodic report. The Minority Language Committee's report, presented in December 1997, recommended that the Government ratify the Charter and the Framework Convention. These recommendations were made although it was understood that Sweden did not yet meet all the requirements set forth in the Charter and the Framework Convention. On the basis of the report, the Government submitted a Bill to Parliament in June 1999 recommending that the Sami, the Tornedal Finns, the Swedish Finns, the Roma and the Jews should be regarded as national minorities in accordance with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, and that Sami (all varieties), Finnish, Meänkieli (Tornedal Finnish), Romany Chib (all varieties) and Yiddish should be recognized as historical, regional or minority languages in accordance with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
The Roma
33. Swedish official statistics, like those of many other countries, do not contain data distinguishing people on the grounds of ethnic origin. Not only would statistics of this kind be open for abuse; most people would be likely to regard them as a form of discrimination. The figures given below are therefore estimates.
34. While not a homogenous group, the Roma population in Sweden is estimated at approximately 20,000. The majority of the Roma are immigrants from Poland, the former Czechoslovakia, the former Yugoslavia and Hungary. Some 4,000 came from Bosnia during the 1990s. There are also a couple of thousand Swedish Roma (Kalderesha), whose ancestors came to Sweden more than a hundred years ago. An estimated 3,000 – 4,000 Finnish Kaléroma also live in Sweden today, having arrived after the 1960s. In addition to the Roma, Sweden has a resident population of between 10 000 and 20,000 so-called travellers, whose history in this country dates back to the sixteenth century.
35. In 1996, the Government appointed a Roma working group comprising Roma and high-ranking civil servants with a view to enhancing the status of the Roma in the community. The working group was instructed to bring to public attention their situation and to initiate and promote efforts aimed at extending to them the same opportunities enjoyed by other groups, on a non-discriminatory basis.
36. On the basis of the working group's recommendations, the Government has extended financial support to the Nordic Council of Roma. In a measure designed to address growing drug abuse among young Roma, the Government also contributed financially to the production of the film "Grofo" ("The Duke"), made by Roma with Roma actors in Romany.
Use by the Sami of their own language
37. There are approximately 15,000 – 20,000 Sami living in Sweden today. Several bilateral arrangements involving Sami in all Nordic countries such as the Nordic Sami Institute and the Sami Council have been established with support from the Government.
38. The Government Bill, based on the Minority Language Committee's report (see paragraph 32 above), recommended a number of specific measures at both national and regional level aimed at strengthening the status of the Sami language in Sweden. One of the proposed measures was the inclusion at national level of the Sami studies (language, culture and history) as an elective subject in the national curriculum. At regional level, the Government proposed new legislation giving individuals the right to use the Sami language in dealings with administrative authorities and courts of law, irrespective of their knowledge of Swedish. These rights would only apply in geographical areas where the Sami language has established roots and is still used to a significant extent. This area comprises Sweden's four most northerly local government authorities.
ILO Convention No 169 and the committee for a new reindeer herding policy
39. In September 1997, the Government appointed a committee to look into the possibility and implications of Sweden's ratification of ILO Convention No. 169 on indigenous and tribal peoples in independent countries. The committee was also instructed to ascertain what measures would be required to enable Sweden to comply with the provisions in the Convention. In its report, submitted in March 1999, the committee recommended accession to the Convention within a period of five years. This period was designed to enable the relevant authorities to adopt a number of measures relating to the Sami right to land. The first step will be to identify the land to which the Sami have a right under the Convention. This includes land which the Sami occupy traditionally and land which they are traditionally entitled to use along with others. The second step involves clarification of the scope of Sami hunting and fishing rights on the land which they traditionally occupy. The report has now been circulated for comment and will be returned to the Government for further action on 1 October 1999.
40. Another committee appointed in September 1997 was charged with the task of reviewing existing reindeer legislation with a view to formulating a new reindeer husbandry policy. The committee, which is composed of parliamentarians and representatives of various groups such as the Sami, land-owners and farmers' organizations, is expected to finish its work in December 1999.
Delegation on Indigenous People
41. In order to show Sweden's support for the General Assembly's decision on to declare the 1990s the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, and to raise awareness at national level of the objectives of the Decade, the Government appointed a Delegation on Indigenous People in 1995. The overall aim of this Delegation is to follow through on the General Assembly's initiative and to initiate, plan and apply various measures, including exhibitions, seminars and similar events designed to promote the Decade's objectives. The Delegation is also required to promote awareness of Sami cultural heritage, Sami culture and traditional Sami activities at national level and closer co-operation on Sami political issues in Scandinavia and the Sami regions. The Delegation comprises Sami and Swedish Government representatives.
42. There is no institutional racial segregation or apartheid in Sweden. In some urban areas, especially in the bigger cities, there is unintended residential segregation owing to group differences in income, sometimes combined with differences of national or ethnic origin. Although primary responsibility for residential development rests with the local government authorities, the Government is aware of this trend and is concerned to promote integration in residential areas. The measures taken in this connection are presented in article 5 (e) (iii), paragraphs 86-88.
Article 4 (a)
43. The Swedish Government refers the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to paragraphs 72-76 of its twelfth periodic report for an initial account of For an initial account of this article, the reader is referred to paragraphs 72-76 of Sweden's twelfth periodic report..
44. A new Act on Responsibility for Electronic Bulletin Boards came into force on 1 May 1998. The Act requires suppliers of electronic bulletin boards to delete any message whose content clearly constitutes, inter alia, agitation against an ethnic group. Agitation against an ethnic group is a crime regulated in the Penal Code (mentioned in paragraph 12).
45. As stated in paragraph 9, the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression was amended on 1 January 1999. The Law not only applies to all current electronic media such as radio, television and other similar transmissions, films, videograms and other representations of moving pictures and sound recording, such as compact discs, but also to recordings of texts or stills such as CD-ROM and computer discs. The authorities can proceed against those responsible on the basis of the unlawful content disseminated via the above media only where sanctioned by the Swedish Constitution, and only in the manner and at the time prescribed in the Constitution. It should be noted, however, that the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression and the Freedom of the Press Act are applicable only where content constituting agitation against an ethnic group is disseminated or distributed inside Sweden.
46. In February 1999, the Government set up a parliamentary committee to consider whether the period of limitation for the Freedom of the Press Act and the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression should be extended. The committee's terms of reference also incorporate provisions of potential importance to future efforts to combat racism and xenophobia in the media, which are protected in the Constitution.
47. The Chancellor of Justice is the prosecutor in cases involving offences under the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression and the Freedom of the Press Act. Only the Chancellor of Justice, acting in the capacity of prosecutor, can set a preliminary investigation in motion, prosecute offenders or decide on the coercive measures to be applied, e.g. seizure and detention of persons.
48. The spending directions accompanying the instrument that places government appropriations at his disposal require the Chancellor of Justice to report to the Government on measures pursuant to the Freedom of the Press Act and the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression, with particular emphasis on measures relating to crimes with racial features.
49. To facilitate action against sound recordings containing agitation against an ethnic group, the Penal Code has been amended as of 1 January 1999, as mentioned in paragraph 9. A person who distributes among children and young persons a writing, picture or technical recording a sound recording which, owing to its content, may brutalize or otherwise involve serious danger to the moral nurturing of the young, shall be sentenced for leading youth astray to a fine or imprisonment for a maximum period of six months. These measures may be applicable in cases where racial propaganda has been distributed to children and young people using devices such as compact discs, irrespective of the provisions set out in the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression.
Article 4 (b)
50. Under legislation currently in force, chapter 16, section 8, of the Penal Code regarding agitation against an ethnic group prohibits public dissemination of racist statements or other expressions of racist attitudes or beliefs, as well as dissemination within the organization itself (see paragraph 58).
51. Further, under chapter 18, section 4, of the Penal Code, a person who founds or participates in an association which must be considered to constitute or, in view of its character and the purpose for which it has been organized, is easily capable of developing into an instrument of force such as a military troop or a police force, and which does not with due authority reinforce the national defence or the police, organization regarded as constituting, or as likely to develop into a body having the character of, a military unit or a police force, and which is not duly authorised to provide support for national defence or the police, shall be sentenced for unlawful military activity. This provision is aimed at preventing the establishment of organizations which are beyond the reach of democratic control.
52. Participation in crimes carried out in organized form can be punishable by law. Under chapter 23 of the Penal Code, a person intending to commit or promote a crime can be sentenced for preparation, participation, conspiracy or complicity. Punishment as prescribed in the Penal Code is imposed not only on the perpetrator but also on the person who furthered the crime by advice or deed.
53. A person who with the intention of intending to committing or promoting a crime, for example by presenting or receiving money or other form of prepayment or payment for the crime, shall, in cases where specific provisions exist for the purpose, be sentenced for preparation of a crime unless he or she is guilty of a completed crime or attempt. In specially designated cases a sentence shall also be imposed for conspiracy. By conspiracy is meant that someone decides on the act in collusion with another as well as that someone undertakes or offers to execute it or seeks to incite another to do so.
54. The provisions embodied in the legislation referred to in paragraphs 50-53 means that an organization engaged in racist activities cannot act without breaking the law.
55. As mentioned in paragraph 11, it is also regarded as an aggravating circumstance if a crime was committed with the motive to aggrieve a person or a national or ethnic group by reason of their race, colour, national or ethnic origin or religious creed.
56. In August 1998, the Government appointed a commission to study crimes related to certain organizations. The commission was instructed to consider whether the 1933 Act (referred to in paragraph 84 of Sweden's twelfth periodic report), banning the wearing of uniforms or similar clothing exhibiting the wearer's political persuasions, should be replaced by a new provision.
57. This commission was also required to consider whether it should be made a criminal offence to participate actively in an organization whose operations involve criminal activities on a significant scale. Active participation could, according to the commission's terms of reference, include financing or supporting the organization in other ways. In this connection, the commission was also instructed to consider whether the provision concerning agitation against an ethnic group is sufficient to prevent racist organizations from functioning. The commission is expected to present its report in October 2000.
58. In October 1996, the Supreme Court ruled that wearing Nazi symbols in public could be regarded as agitation against an ethnic group and was thereby punishable under chapter 16, section 8, of the Penal Code. This precedent-setting ruling has led to further convictions for agitation against an ethnic group, for the use of Nazi symbols and for other expressions of racist positions.
Article 4 (c)
59. Support for or the promotion of racial discrimination by public authorities is explicitly forbidden under the Instrument of Government and the provisions in the Penal Code relating to unlawful discrimination, agitation against an ethnic group and other offences. The prohibition also applies to people in public employment.
Article 5 (a) - ( b)
60. The Swedish Government refers the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to paragraphs 86-89 of its twelfth periodic report for information on relevant legislation in this sphere. For information on relevant legislation in this sphere, the reader is referred to paragraphs 86 -89 of Sweden's twelfth periodic report
Article 5 (c)
61. Every citizen over the age of 18 who is or has been living in Sweden is entitled to vote in general elections. Immigrants who have resided in Sweden for at least 36 months may vote in local government elections. Citizens of a country of the European Union and citizens of Norway and Iceland over the age of 18 may also vote in local elections.
62. For information on voting trends among people with an immigrant background, see paragraph 92 of the twelfth periodic report. The level of participation in local government elections for this voter category continues to decline. Statistics on the last elections (1998) are not yet available.
63. Declining participation in local government elections by people of immigrant background has prompted the Government to commission the National Integration Office to look into the cause from 1976 onwards behind this development. The National Integration Office has additionally been instructed to identify possible differences in voting behaviour in different communities, and determine whether measures already taken to increase participation have been fruitful. In November 1998, the Government also appointed two parliamentary committees to look into and assess the causes for the general decline in participation in the last elections held in 1998.
64. For measures aimed at stimulating immigrants to vote and actively participate in the election campaign, see paragraph 93 of the twelfth report.
Article 5 (d) (i) - (vi)
65. Under the Swedish Constitution, no discrimination on racial, ethnic, religious or cultural grounds is permitted by virtue of the rights evoked in these paragraphs.
Article 5 (d) (vii) - (ix)
66. The Swedish Government refers the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to paragraph 96 of its twelfth periodic report for information in this connection. For information in this connection, the reader is referred to paragraph 96 of Sweden's twelfth periodic report.
Article 5 (e)
The National Integration Office
67. A new central authority, the National Integration Office, was established on 1 June 1998. The new authority has overall responsibility for ensuring that efforts are made to meet national integration policy objectives, that the policy itself is widely disseminated throughout society and that active measures are taken to stimulate integration processes within the community. The authority is also required to monitor and evaluate developments in society as these relate to the ethnic and cultural diversity of the community at large.
National Integration Policy
68. The Government has embodied its new national integration policy objectives in a Bill entitled "Sweden, the Future and the Plural Society - From Immigration Policy to Integration Policy." The Bill was approved by Parliament in December 1997 and the proposed guidelines and measures have been in force since 1 January 1998.
69. A crucial element in the new integration policy is that ethnic and cultural diversity in society should serve as the point of departure for shaping general policies and their implementation in all sectors and at all levels of society. To ensure full implementation of this principle, the Government issued special directives to all public authorities to the effect that all work aimed at the integration of people from immigrant backgrounds should be mainstreamed. The Bill stipulates that integration policy objectives must be based on the following principles: non-discrimination and equality for all irrespective of ethnic and cultural background, diversity, and mutual respect and tolerance. In addition to safeguarding basic democratic values and human rights, the policy is aimed at creating opportunities for individuals to support themselves and take an active part in society.
Article 5 (e) (i)
Conditions in the Swedish labour market
70. Although unemployment in Sweden has declined in the last couple of years, it still remains high. Non-Nordic nationals experience greater difficulty in the labour market as a whole than their Nordic counterparts. In 1998, the unemployment rate for non-Nordic nationals was 27 per cent, compared to 5.7 per cent for the native Swedish population. The employment ratio (employed people in the labour force expressed as a percentage of the population aged 16-64) among non-Nordic nationals has fallen from 74.3 per cent in 1980 to 39.0 per cent in 1998.
71. Long-term unemployment (unemployment lasting more than 6 months for people over 25 years of age and 100 days for people under 25) continues to decline. The average number of long-term unemployed non-Nordic nationals fell from 12,000 in 1997 to 6,781 in 1998. The drop in long-term unemployment is to some extent attributable to labour market policy programmes and the Government's Adult Education Initiative.
72. A report on the labour market for immigrants published in 1998 by the National Labour Market Board found that non-Nordic nationals accounted for 12 per cent of all people in labour market policy programmes. In 1997, the most common labour market policy programmes for non-Nordic nationals were vocational training, work experience and workplace introduction schemes. More recently, support schemes for the self-employed have been found to be particularly appropriate to the needs and circumstances of non-Nordic nationals.
Labour market-related measures adopted by the Government
73. In fiscal 1999, the Government has singled out a number of areas deemed to be of strategic significance in the drive to raise employment levels. Labour market policy is a suitable instrument for facilitating integration into Swedish society and working life. One important objective of the labour market policy programmes is to reduce long-term unemployment. The Government believes that special efforts are necessary to promote the integration of individuals with an immigrant background into the labour market. Hence, this category of unemployed are given priority in labour market policy programmes by reserving more places for them in the various programmes than the number corresponding to their proportion of the unemployed population.
74. To counteract long-term unemployment, the Government has also initiated programmes aimed at strengthening the employability of unemployed individuals and thereby help them to obtain regular employment.
75. Unemployed immigrants can also apply for extended start-up grants to set up new small enterprises.
76. Supplementing ordinary labour-market policy measures, such as providing work experience through workplace introduction schemes, are funds for so-called non-traditional measures, aimed at creating tailored solutions for unemployed people in which particular attention is given to individuals with an immigrant background.
77. On 1 July 1997 a pilot project was initiated designed to give unemployed people an opportunity to take part in a range of schemes and activities. The project, which is due to end in December 1999, gives first priority to people, such as non-Nordic nationals, who are not strongly positioned in the labour market.
78. Unemployed people with an immigrant background wishing to return to their home country could be given specially adapted labour market training, including training relevant to the labour market in the home country.
79. Employers who recruit from the long-term unemployed or from unemployed groups with particular problems in the labour market can apply for recruitment subsidies covering up to 50 per cent of their wage costs. Non-Nordic nationals are among those who benefit the most from this measure.
80. To further enable disadvantaged groups to get a foothold in the labour market, the Government has proposed the introduction of a tax credit for employers who hire unemployed people who have been out of a regular job for three years or more. A large proportion of the target group consists of immigrants from non-Nordic countries.
81. The Government has commissioned the National Labour Market Board to assess foreign professional qualifications and upper secondary education qualifications. For example, immigrants with foreign teacher training qualifications will receive supplementary training qualifying them for employment as teachers in Sweden. Civil engineers, scientists and economists are also being considered in this connection. In addition, job-seekers with a foreign university education will be offered special theoretical and practical training aimed at helping foreigners with qualifications in higher education to establish themselves in the labour market.
82. The Bill, "Sweden, the Future and the Plural Society – From Immigrant Policy to Integration Policy", mentioned in paragraphs 68 and 69, states that public authorities must set a good example by reflecting this cultural and ethnic diversity in society. Central Government authorities are accordingly required to take active steps to combat prejudice and ensure that the composition of their staff reflects the level of ethnic diversity in society. The Government regards the participation of immigrants in the public sector as a quality-enhancing factor as well as a democratic issue involving the credibility of the public administration.
83. In February 1999, the Government appointed a one-person committee of inquiry to examine current citizenship provisions and related legal issues, to analyze the relevance of these provisions and, if necessary, to propose changes in existing legislation. An important part of this task will be to look into the rules and regulations that exclude non-citizens from certain governmental posts and commissions. The report is due out in May 2000.
84. In the autumn of 1997 and spring of 1998, the Government held a series of conferences and seminars on the issue of workforce diversity in the sphere of public administration. The target groups included provincial governors, senior management in government agencies and personnel managers. The activities are expected to influence employment policy in government agencies and promote effective utilisation of human resources in society.
Article 5 (e) (ii)
85. The right to form and become a member of a trade union is protected both in the Instrument of Government (chap. 2, sect. 1, subsect. 5) and in other legislation. Foreigners have equal status with Swedish citizens in this regard.
Article 5 (e) (iii)
Special measures in certain urban areas
86. In response to the emerging trend towards residential segregation, the Government created a special appropriation in the national budget for fiscal 1995/96 intended for special measures in residential areas with large numbers of immigrants. Government subsidies were paid to local government authorities on condition that projects were co-financed by the recipients.
87. In a subsequent project begun in 1997, government subsidies were granted to a limited number of local government authorities to address problems occurring in certain areas. The aim was to enable local authorities to realize projects planned previously and to find durable solutions. The areas in question are termed national development areas and are intended to serve as examples of how to achieve improvements and long-lasting solutions. In the spring of 1998, three local authorities were granted these subsidies.
88. In the spring of 1998, the Government presented its new policy for metropolitan areas, in which it recommended that a substantial sum, including subsidies made available for the national development area projects described in the preceding paragraphs, be earmarked for projects in exposed and affected urban areas during 1999-2001. A Bill to this effect was approved by Parliament in December 1998. The two major objectives of this new policy are to promote economic growth and counteract segregation. To develop and coordinate this metropolitan policy a Commission on Metropolitan Areas was appointed in the spring of 1999. For the most disadvantaged metropolitan areas, central and municipal metropolitan policy measures are consolidated in local development agreements.
Article 5 (e) (iv) - (v)
89. The Swedish Government refers the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to paragraphs 113-130 of its twelfth periodic report for information in this connection. The reader is referred to paragraphs 113-130 of Sweden's twelfth periodic report.
Article 5 (e) (vi)
90. Under Swedish law, discrimination on racial, ethnic, religious or cultural grounds is prohibited by virtue of the rights evoked in this paragraph.
Article 5 (f)
91. For provisions in the Penal Code relating to unlawful discrimination, see information under article 2 in Sweden's twelfth periodic report.
Article 6
92. The Swedish Government refers the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to paragraphs 133-134 of its twelfth periodic report for information in this connection. The reader is referred to paragraphs 133 - 134 of Sweden's twelfth periodic report.
The Living History project
93. At the initiative of the Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. Göran Persson, a nation-wide project designed to inform young people about the Holocaust and the atrocities committed by the Nazis during the Second World War was launched in 1997. Entitled Living History, the project comprises four distinct elements, or levels of activity: political activities, information to parents and the public, activities in schools and support for universities and research.
94. The information activities are intended to encourage discussion of issues relating to humanity, democracy, equality and non-discrimination, using the Holocaust as a starting-point. To this end, a book entitled Tell Ye Your Children was produced, featuring texts, illustrations and facts relating to the Holocaust. It has been distributed on request and free of charge to all schools and families with children in primary school. It has also been distributed to libraries, citizens' bureaux and educational associations. The book has been translated into the main immigrant languages and a cassette version has also been produced.is under production
95. An additional feature of the project is a recently opened Web site containing extensive information about the Holocaust and Nazi terror during the Second World War. The site, which also contains up-to-date research findings, information about relevant activities and a forum for debate, is intended to provide a stimulating meeting-place for teachers, pupils or anyone else who may be interested, and an opportunity to exchange observations and ideas.
96. A national resource centre for research and education on the Holocaust and genocide has been set up at Uppsala University. The centre will conduct research and provide university and adult education courses on the Holocaust and other acts of genocide, on ways of preventing such events and on human rights.
97. The National Historical Museum and the Nordic Museum Foundation have been commissioned to arrange a number of exhibitions designed to raise public awareness of and increase knowledge about the Holocaust.
98. In May 1998, the British, Swedish and United States Governments resolved to establish a "task force for international co-operation on Holocaust education, remembrance and research". Several other countries have since joined the group. The Prime Minister of Sweden has issued invitations to an international conference on this initiative, to be held in Stockholm from 26 to 28 January 2000. The purpose of the conference – on the brink of the new millennium – will be to "strengthen political, religious and civic forces at all levels to combat ignorance and intolerance by promoting education, research and remembrance of the Holocaust."
European Year against Racism
99. The Swedish coordination committee for the EU European Year against Racism presented its report in June 1998. The report recommended proposals for improvements in the spheres of working life, school and education, urban living, support for popular movements, media, etc., aimed at suppressing discrimination on a daily basis. The report is being considered by the Government.
Education
100. To combat racial discrimination is a part of the school's basic value system, as laid down in the national curriculum and the School Act.
101. Under the School Act, everyone employed in Sweden's schools is required to must take active measures to counteract all forms of insulting behaviour, such as harassment and racial discrimination. School heads are specifically entrusted with responsibility for preparing a plan of action should this kind of problem arise. General legal provisions are also applicable to schools. The school management has the authority to act if students threaten or insult each other in a way which constitutes an offence.
102. In 1998, the National Agency for Education was assigned by the Government to follow up and evaluate the school's basic values, including democracy, equality, cultural multiplicity and non-discrimination.
Police and education
103. In a policy document, the National Police Board recommended that the composition of personnel in the police force should reflect the country's population structure. The Police Board has emphasized that people belonging to ethnic minorities should be recruited on a more frequent basis. In January 1998, a total of 68 students were recruited. Approximately 20 per cent of them belonged to ethnic minorities. The number of students belonging to ethnic minorities reflects the structure of the country's population fairly well.
104. The curriculum of the Swedish National Police Academy includes instruction on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related conventions. It also includes a series of lectures on immigration policy in which causes of immigration, the strength of a multicultural society and immigration legislation are studied in order to promote a better understanding of ethnic minorities.
Dissemination of the report
105. Sweden's twelfth periodic report together with summary records of the meeting and the concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination have been distributed to governmental officials, Parliament and political parties, the Sami Parliament, the Nordic Council of Roma, the organization of Tornedal Finns, non-governmental organizations, and employers and trade unions.