State Reports - CESCR - Sweden - E/1994/104/Add.1 (1994)

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON
ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS

Third periodic reports submitted by States parties under articles 16 and 17 of the
Covenant in accordance with the programmes established by Economic
and Social Council resolution 1988/4

* The second periodic report concerning rights covered by articles 6 to 9 (E/1984/7/Add.5) submitted by the Government of Sweden was considered by the Sessional Working Group of Governmental Experts on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at its 1984 session (see E/1984/WG.1/SR.14 and 16). The second periodic reports concerning rights covered by articles 10 to 12 (E/1986/4/Add.13) and 13 to 15 (E/1990/7/Add.2) were considered by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at its second (E/C.12/1988/SR.10-11) and sixth (E/C.12/1991/SR.11-13 and 18) sessions respectively.

1. Sweden has no colonies and is not responsible for the administration of any Non-Self-Governing or Trust Territories.

2. The Swedish Constitution prohibits discriminatory treatment by courts or administrative authorities. The Instrument of Government, chapter 1, article 9 stipulates that courts, public authorities and others performing functions within the public administration shall observe in their work the equality of all persons before the law and shall maintain objectivity and impartiality.

3. The Swedish Penal Code contains provisions on agitation against an ethnic group (chap. 16, sect. 8) and on unlawful discrimination (chap. 16, sect. 9). See annex I.

4. The Act to Counteract Ethnic Discrimination (1986:442) lays down rules concerning the Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination and the Advisory Committee on Questions concerning Ethnic Discrimination (cf. CCPR/C/58/Add.7, paras. 10-13 and CERD/C/239/Add.1, paras. 6-22).

5. Non-nationals are guaranteed almost the same rights as citizens in Sweden. Non-nationals with permanent residence permits have the right to work and the right to social benefits in the same manner as citizens. Differences apply to voting rights in parliamentary elections and may apply in referenda. Swedish citizens also have a stronger guarantee against extradition, and Swedish citizens can never be deported. Only Swedish citizens have compulsory military service. See chapter 2, article 20 of the Instrument of Government (annex II).

6. Swedish immigrant policy consists of measures to facilitate the social integration of immigrants in Sweden. The aims of the policy are equality, freedom of choice and partnership. Among other things, this means that immigrants have the same opportunities, rights and obligations as the rest of the population. The long-term immigrant policy is to a great extent identical with the general welfare policy. In certain sectors of that policy and at certain stages of development the general policy may need to be reinforced by supplementary measures addressed specifically to immigrants. The Swedish Immigration Board has to ensure that the activities of public authorities are coordinated by means of adequate measures so as to achieve equivalent treatment of immigrants and other members of the community.

7. One of the aims of Swedish development cooperation is to promote democracy and human rights. Swedish development assistance supports ongoing processes towards democracy, in particular in countries where Sweden takes part in long-term development cooperation. Swedish assistance also promotes human rights. Such assistance can be given to individual countries or through Swedish or international organizations. Another aim of Swedish development cooperation is to promote economic and social equality.

8. An International Conference on Development Cooperation for Human Rights and Democracy was held in Stockholm in February 1993. Reference is made to the report of the Conference (see list of reference material).

9. Sweden is a party to ILO Conventions No. 122 of 1964 (the Employment Policy Convention) and No. 111 of 1958 (the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention). Reference is made to the Swedish reports to ILO concerning the implementation of these conventions (see list of reference material).

10. Sweden is also a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Reference is made to the initial Swedish report and the second and third periodic reports on the implementation of that convention (CEDAW/C/5/Add.8, CEDAW/C/13/Add.6, and CEDAW/C/18/Add.1).

11. Reference is also made to the Swedish reports under the European Social Charter (see list of reference material).

12. Reference is made to the reports on the implementation of the European Social Charter, article 1:1, and to the reports concerning ILO Convention No. 122. Reference is further made to the brochure "The labour market and labour market policy in Sweden", which was published by the Ministry of Labour, Research Secretariat in July 1993 (see list of reference material). This brochure contains, inter alia, labour market statistics from 1980 to 1992-1993.

14. The deep economic decline has resulted in a reduction of labour supply. The number of people in the labour force has decreased from 4,552,000 in 1990 to 4,464,000 in 1992 and 4,320,000 in 1993. This means a reduction in the labour force from 1990 to 1993 of more than 230,000 people.

15. Unemployment has continued to rise considerably in 1992 and 1993. The unemployment rate was 4.8 per cent in 1992 and increased to 8.2 per cent in 1993. This is equivalent to 214,000 and 356,000 people, respectively. Men have been much harder hit than women. The unemployment rate for men was 5.7 per cent in 1992 and 9.7 per cent in 1993. The corresponding rates for women were 3.8 and 6.6 per cent.

16. The unemployment rate for different age groups shows that younger people have suffered most. Their unemployment rate was 18.4 per cent in 1993, an increase of almost 8 percentage points in one year.

17. The proportion of long-term unemployed in relation to the total number of unemployed has risen with the general increase of unemployment. Young people have been affected to a lesser extent as a result of forceful efforts by the employment offices, mainly through the youth training scheme. Young persons are considered long-term unemployed after four months as job-seekers and persons over the age of 24 after six months.

18. The regional differences remain. The highest county unemployment rate in 1993 was 11.8 per cent (Norrbotten) and the lowest 6.3 per cent (Uppsala). Labour market policy measures reduce the differences.

19. Unemployment for non-Nordic citizens continues to rise sharply. It was 8.5 per cent in 1991, 17.7 per cent in 1992, and 27.6 per cent in 1993.

20. The number of occupationally handicapped persons registered at the employment offices is increasing. Their number was 33,900 in 1992 and 44,000 in 1993.

21. Demand for labour declined very much in 1992 and 1993. Employment decreased by about 180,000 jobs in 1992 and by almost 290,000 more in 1993.

22. Registered vacancies decreased during 1992. This trend continued until May 1993. Since then there have been more vacancies reported than for the corresponding month the year before. The increase has continued in 1994. The demand for labour is thus on the increase.

23. The number of vacancies reported to the employment offices does not give a correct picture of the total labour demand. Only a minority of all vacancies are reported to the employment offices. In 1990, 45 per cent of vacancies were reported to the employment offices. The percentage has further decreased during the economic decline: 39 per cent in 1991, 35 per cent in 1992 and 33 per cent in 1993.

24. Reference is made to the Swedish reports on the implementation of the European Social Charter, article 1:3 (see list of reference material). Reference is also made to the Swedish reports concerning the implementation of ILO Convention No. 88 of 1948 (the Employment Service Convention) (see list of reference material).

26. In 1992, a total of 1,256,000 persons were registered with the employment offices. There was an increase to 1,477,000 in 1993. In 1992, 403,000 persons were placed and in 1993, 463,000.

27. The average number of job-seekers that were placed was 29,000 monthly in 1993. Of the total 13,000 were women and 1,600 occupationally handicapped. The total average number of remaining job-seekers was 483,000 monthly; 201,000 were women and 44,000 occupationally handicapped.

28. Private employment services are now permitted in Sweden. The State monopoly of employment services was abolished on 1 July 1993. No direct measures have been taken in order to coordinate private and public employment services. So far there are only 17 private employment offices. In addition there are several typewriting agencies and headhunters who have been in the market for quite some time.

29. Increased internationalization and the entering into force of the Agreement on the European Economic Area on 1 January 1994 have resulted in an increased demand for international employment services. During the last two years specialized international employment offices (Af-Utland) have been established in half of the counties. More counties have the intention to establish such offices within the next year.

30. Sweden takes part in the European Employment Service System (EURES) and has three trained Euroadvisers. They have access to a network of 240 Euroadvisers, to a databased employment service system and to a database which contains information about work and living conditions in all EEA States.

31. Reference is made to the Swedish reports on the implementation of the European Social Charter, article 1:2, and to the reports concerning ILO Conventions No. 29 of 1930 (the Forced Labour Convention) and No. 111 (the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention) (see list of reference material).

32. The following can be mentioned concerning concrete measures by the Government to counteract discrimination on the labour market.

33. For the fiscal year 1993/1994 the Government has allocated special means, SKr 30 million, to the National Labour Market Board for projects which will result in increased equality in the labour market. Experimental activities have earlier been carried out with supporting efforts before, during and after vocational training courses for women and men who have chosen instruction which is untraditional for their sex.

34. Non-Nordic immigrants/asylum seekers and handicapped persons have faced more difficulties during the present recession, which has led to increased unemployment and declining labour force participation. These groups, however, continue to have priority when it comes to labour market policy measures. During the last few years the proportion of these groups has been higher for labour market measures than for unemployment.

35. Reference is made to the Swedish reports on the implementation of the European Social Charter, article 1:4, article 9 and article 10. Reference is also made to the reports concerning ILO Convention No. 142 of 1975 (the Human Resources Development Convention) (see list of reference material).

37. The developments in the Swedish labour market have lead to an ever-increasing demand for information on education and occupation. The amount of such information at the employment offices is comprehensive and difficult to grasp for the applicants. Rapid changes characterize working life and education. At the same time the demand for manpower is difficult to foresee. Development work has therefore started and has lead to:

(a) New initiatives for educational and vocational information in order to make the information material better adapted to the applicants;

(b) Direct service at the employment offices where written and databased information, taking into account the local conditions, has been made available, mainly for self-service;

(c) Cooperation between employment offices and schools for the provision of information concerning education, professions, labour market and study financing with the use of databased information and interest programmes, video films and written material. The information is provided partly in the form of self-service material, partly as personal education and professional information by vocational guidance officers and study and vocational guidance officers.

38. The number of employability institutes (Ami) is now 110. During the fiscal year 1992/93 Ami provided extensive guidance and rehabilitation services to an average of 8,000 persons each month, which is equivalent to one third of all those who receive Ami's service. In addition to that, Ami's resources have more and more been used for other efforts, such as consulting at the employment offices, mapping interviews, group advice, work adaptation and cooperation projects with other authorities responsible for rehabilitation. Statistics are not kept for such activities.

39. At approximately half of the institutes there are now special resources for occupationally handicapped persons. The resources have been extended to more counties and more localities. Accessibility for applicants has increased and cooperation with other rehabilitation institutions in society has become easier. More applicants can use the resources, and the time for rehabilitation is utilized in a more efficient manner.

40. The development of so-called possibility centres has continued. At such centres the job-seekers can try novelties in the technical field. A possibility centre complements an employability institute and together they form a unique resource which makes use of modern techniques in order to enhance the possibilities for handicapped persons to find work, taking into consideration their individual interests and conditions.

41. The consultative method of work, which means that Ami gives service to job-seekers where they live, continues to develop and grow. More and more persons can thus make use of the competence of the employability institutes.

42. On the whole the same rules are applicable for employment training as before. The age limit is now 20 years for purchased employment training, as well as for employment training in the regular educational system. Some changes have also been made in the allowance system.

43. Grants for in-company training are in substance given according to the same rules as previously, if the training is aimed at avoiding lay-offs or dismissals or is in connection with changes in the workplace, for example through the introduction of new technique.

44. Since 1991 there is, furthermore, a possibility for the employer to make some deductions from the employment tax when an employee is being trained and a stand-in has been assigned by the employment office.

45. The distribution of employment training by number of participants in occupational fields in 1992/93 was:

In comparison to previous years the number of trainees for caring occupations has declined, while the number of trainees for administration/automatic data processing has increased.

46. One development which is connected with the exceptionally high unemployment is that a growing proportion of employment training concerns complementary training for persons who already have experience in the occupational field in question.

47. It should be mentioned that a considerable part of the employment training is introductory or preparatory and not aimed at any special occupational field.

48. Employment training is one possibility for most adult job-seekers who need training to get a job. In recent years some restrictions have been necessary for lack of financial means. There are no statistics which show how many persons have been affected by this. The guidelines issued by the National Labour Market Board have given priority to the training of the long-term unemployed, occupationally handicapped persons and immigrants, if it has been impossible to meet all needs.

49. During 1992/93, 176,000 persons took part in employment training. In addition, employers were given grants by the National Labour Market Board for the training of 52,000 employees. Some 35,000 persons were employed as stand-ins while permanently employed persons were trained.

50. During the fiscal year 1992/93 women accounted for 43 per cent of employment training. Occupational orientation was rather traditional, usually preparatory or introductory training for office/administration work.

51. In recent years more women have participated in training for business administration and automatic data processing, as well as work related to chemistry and physics.

52. For a number of years special means have been allocated in order to swell the number of untraditional choices of profession in connection with employment training. These means have been used inter alia for guidance and information before the choice of profession and during technical orientation courses with elements of self-confidence training and practice within traditionally male branches of occupation.

53. Since the fiscal year 1993/94 there are projects in each county to counteract the division of the labour market according to sex.

54. Reference is made to the reports on the implementation of ILO Convention No. 122 (the Employment Policy Convention) (see list of reference material).

55. Distinctions based on race, sex or other circumstances mentioned in article 2 of the Covenant with effects on the recognition, enjoyment or exercise of equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation are not allowed in Sweden. In December 1993 the Government presented a bill to Parliament concerning measures against racist crime, as well as against ethnic discrimination on the labour market. The bill proposes prohibition of discrimination against job applicants and employees on ethnic grounds and will apply to the entire labour market. The changes will come into force on 1 July 1994.

56. In January 1993 the Government appointed a parliamentary commission to review immigrant policy and immigration and refugee policy. One of the main tasks of the commission will be to study integration aspects, the situation for immigrants in the employment sector and knowledge of the Swedish language as a factor influencing integration.

57. The National Labour Market Administration has the task of helping people to obtain employment or training which will lead to employment. The basic principle is that the situation of immigrants and refugees on the labour market must be dealt with in the context of general labour policy, supplemented if necessary by special measures.

59. The labour market for immigrants, especially non-Nordic citizens, has deteriorated more than the labour market in general. During the fiscal year 1991/92 unemployment for this group was 13.5 per cent. During the fiscal year 1992/93 it increased to 22.6 per cent. For non-European immigrants unemployment was 35 per cent during this period.

60. The labour market measure which non-Nordic immigrants mainly take part in is vocational training provided for by the employment office. Non-Nordic nationals are overrepresented in preparatory and general training programmes.

61. A number of successful projects have been concerned with utilizing the vocational training and experience which immigrants have previously acquired abroad, for example, in the case of medical personnel, teachers, lawyers and technical personnel.

62. In accordance with the Aliens' Act a non-Nordic citizen must have a work permit in order to be allowed to work in Sweden. Otherwise a fine can be imposed on him. Also, an employer who employs a non-Nordic citizen without a work permit can be sentenced. In accordance with the agreement on the European Economic Area, a citizen from another EC or EFTA country is exempted from the demand for a work permit. The same applies, irrespective of citizenship, to the spouse of an employee or an employer from such a country and to their children. Furthermore, there is an exception from the demand for a work permit for certain asylum seekers while their applications for asylum are being considered.

63. The Instrument of Government (chap. 11, art. 9) stipulates that only a Swedish citizen may hold or exercise the functions of a judicial office. The same applies to some other high-level posts. Swedish nationality may otherwise be made a prerequisite of the right to hold or exercise an office or commission under the State or local authority only if laid down in law or under conditions prescribed by law. The Act relating to Public Employment provides that only Swedish citizens can occupy military posts and posts as prosecutors or policemen. This Act also lays down that the Government may prescribe that only Swedish citizens may hold certain posts in other areas. By virtue of these rules many posts are reserved for Swedish citizens, mainly for national security reasons.

64. Statistics Sweden has figures which show the occurrence of sideline occupations amongst the gainfully employed. The following statistics can be provided regarding the proportion of the gainfully employed with sideline occupations. It does not emerge from the statistics whether the main occupation is full time or not, nor if the reason for the sideline occupation is to secure an adequate standard of living.

65. The following changes to the rules and regulations mentioned in the second periodic report should be mentioned:

(b) The Private Employment Service and Manpower Rentals Act (1991:746) was in force from 1 January 1992 to 30 June 1993. It was replaced by a new Act with the same designation (1993:440).

66. The second periodic report also mentioned ILO Convention No. 158 of 1982 (the Termination of Employment Convention). Reference is made to the Swedish reports on the implementation of this Convention (see list of reference material).

67. On 1 January 1994 some changes in the Security of Employment Act came into force. The changes have the aim in the present difficult labour market situation and anticipating an upward economic trend to make it easier for job-seekers, especially young people, to become employed. The permitted period of employment on temporary appointments for work accumulation has been extended from 6 to 12 months during a two-year period. The trial period for appointments on probation has also been extended from 6 to 12 months. Some changes have also been made regarding the priority rules in connection with dismissal for scarcity of work.

68. Since 1 July 1992 asylum seekers awaiting a decision on their application for asylum have the right to work, provided they are issued with a document by the Swedish Immigration Board stating that they are not likely to receive a final reply to their request for asylum within four months.

69. Sweden is a party to ILO Conventions No. 100 of 1951 (the Equal Remuneration Convention), No. 14 of 1921 (the Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention), No. 132 of 1970 (the Holidays with Pay Convention), No. 81 of 1947 (the Labour Inspection (Industry and Commerce) Convention), No. 129 of 1969 (the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention), and No. 155 of 1981 (the Occupational Safety and Health Convention) (see list of reference material). Sweden is not a party to ILO Conventions Nos. 131 and 106.

70. Reference is made to the second periodic report (E/1984/7/Add.5, art. 7.A.1).

72. Reference is made to the Swedish reports on the implementation of ILO Convention No. 100 of 1951 (the Equal Remuneration Convention) (see list of reference material).

73. Income statistics from Statistics Sweden are given for the years 1985-1987 and 1990-1992 (see list of reference material).

74. Reference is made to the second periodic report (E/1984/7/Add.5, art. 7, B. 1-2). The following information can be added.

76. A new provision, concerning work environment offences, has been added to the Penal Code. Under this new provision, a person deliberately or negligently defaulting on his obligation under the Work Environment Act to prevent ill health or accidents can, if somebody dies, is injured or is exposed to danger as a result, be convicted of a work environment offence.

77. The Act also includes the express right of employees to influence their own working situation and to take part in processes of change and development. Stipulations have been introduced to the effect that technology, work organization and job content must be designed so as not to expose the employee to physical or mental strains which are liable to cause ill health or accidents. When designing work organization, the importance of the form of remuneration and of the disposition of working hours must be taken into account. Closely controlled or restricted work must be avoided or limited. Another provision defines more closely the employee's duty to participate in efforts to improve the working environment and in the implementation of measures to achieve a good working environment.

78. The Act has a special provision making it the employer's duty to plan, direct and supervise measures relating to the occupational environment. This includes ongoing investigation of hazards at work and implementation of the measures which are needed. The employer shall also document the working environment and measures to improve it, to the extent that the activity requires. Action plans are to be drawn up in this connection. The Act defines more closely the tasks of the safety committee and the safety delegates.

79. A new provision in this connection requires the employer to ensure that suitably organized job modification and rehabilitation activities are conducted at the workplace. The stipulation that working conditions are to be adapted to the aptitudes of the individual employee is further articulated. This will, for example, improve the prospects of long-term sick listed employees returning to work.

80. The faculty of stipulating product information in connection with marketing is widened. As part of product safety regulations laid down by the Work Environment Act, the supervisory authorities are empowered to demand particulars from suppliers concerning the products delivered.

81. Further to the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, in 1992 amendments were made to make it possible to implement some of the EC directives in the field of the working environment. Some of these amendments concern provisions on product safety and product control.

82. A translation of the Work Environment Act and the Work Environment Ordinance as amended on 1 July 1991 is provided (annex III).

83. Reference is further made to the Swedish reports on the implementation of the following ILO Conventions (see list of reference material):

84. According to section 2 of the Work Environment Act, the Act applies to every activity in which employees are used for work on an employer's account. Section 3 of the Act states that, for the purpose of some of the provisions, pupils and inmates of an institution are equated with employees. The Act does not apply to service on board ships other than warships and work done in the employer's household (sect. 4). Provisions concerning health and safety in the maritime sector are contained in the Maritime Safety Act (1988:49) and the Maritime Safety Ordinance (1988:594). For further information, see the Swedish report for the period 1 July 1989-30 June 1993 on ILO Convention No. 148, B. The Maritime Sector, pages 1-8 (see list of reference material). Safety rules on work done in the employer's household are contained in the Domestic Employment (Working Hours, etc.) Act (1970:943).

85. Statistics from the Statistical Yearbook of Sweden on occupational injuries are enclosed (see list of reference material). They show that the total number of occupational injuries has decreased from 121,951 cases in 1984 (of which 200 were fatal cases) to 72,979 cases in 1991 (of which 123 were fatal cases).

86. For the whole of paragraph 3 of the guidelines on article 7, reference is also made to the Swedish reports on the implementation of the European Social Charter, article 3 (see list of reference material).

87. See the information provided under paragraph 2 (d) of the guidelines on article 6 (paras. 31-34 above). Reference is also made to the Swedish reports on the implementation of ILO Convention No. 156 of 1981 (the Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention) (see list of reference material).

88. Reference is made to the second periodic report (E/1984/7/Add.5, art. 7, D). No major changes have been made in the Working Hours Act of 1982 or in the Annual Leave Act of 1977. Translations of these Acts are attached (annex IV and annex V). The translations are preceded by short introductions about the Acts.

89. Reference is also made to the Swedish reports on the implementation of the European Social Charter, article 2:3 and 2:5 (see list of reference material). Reference is further made to the reports concerning ILO Conventions No. 14 of 1921 (the Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention) and No. 132 of 1970 (the Holidays with Pay Convention), and No. 47 of 1935 (the Forty-Hour Week Convention) (see list of reference material).

90. The Annual Leave Act applies to all employees without exception. It is valid for all private and public employments and professions. It applies to full-time and part-time employment, appointments on probation, work as a substitute and trainee posts. It does not matter if the post is with conditional tenure or on a temporary basis.

(b) Work performed by an employee who occupies a managerial or comparable position;

For work performed in the employer's household there are special rules in the Domestic Employment (Working Hours, etc.) Act. For service on board a ship there are special rules in the Seamen's Hours of Work Act. The Working Hours Act applies with these exceptions to all activity, whether private or public, permanent or occasional. It does not matter if the post is with conditional tenure or on a temporary basis.

92. Reference is made to the second periodic report (E/1984/7/Add.5) and to the initial Swedish report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR/C/1/Add.9).

93. Reference is also made to the reports on the implementation of ILO Conventions No. 87 of 1948 (the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention), No. 98 of 1949 (the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention), No. 151 of 1978 (the Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention), and No. 154 of 1981 (the Collective Bargaining Convention) (see list of reference material).

94. For statistics on strikes and lockouts, see the Swedish reports on the implementation of the European Social Charter, article 6:4 (see list of reference material).

95. For data on trade unions and their membership see figures from the Statistical Yearbook of Sweden (see list of reference material).

96. Sweden is a party to ILO Conventions No. 102 of 1952 (the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention), No. 121 of 1964 (the Employment Injury Benefits Convention), No. 128 of 1967 (the Invalidity, Old-Age and Survivors' Benefits Convention), No. 130 of 1969 (the Medical Care and Sickness Benefits Convention) and No. 168 of 1988 (the Employment Promotion and Protection against Unemployment Convention) (see list of reference material).

97. Since the last report, a number of changes have taken place in the different schemes. The changes are commented on and briefly described under separate headings below. The national social insurance schemes cover all Swedish citizens and alien residents. The schemes are financed mainly by the State and by employer contributions (statutory social security charges paid by the employer or by self-employed people). In addition, a small contribution, payable by the insured persons themselves, has been introduced recently.

98. All branches of social security mentioned in paragraph 2 of the guidelines on article 9, exist in Sweden.

99. Reference is made to the latest Swedish reports on the ILO Social Security Convention No. 130.

100. The areas covered by the medical care benefits are dental care, medical care, medical care treatment and medicine. The administration of the allowance for travel expenses connected with sickness has been transferred from the social insurance scheme to the medical care authorities.

101. Financing: 8.43 per cent of the social security charges go to these schemes. In principle 85 per cent of the total insurance costs for medical care, cash sickness benefits and parental insurance are covered by employer contributions. A small share is covered by the insured person's contributions and the rest by the State budget.

102. Reference is made to the latest Swedish reports on the ILO Social Security Conventions Nos. 102 and 130.

103. All insured persons, who have reached the age of 16 and who are registered with a social insurance office are entitled to sickness cash benefit, provided their annual income from gainful activity amounts to at least SKr 6,000.

104. According to the new Sick Pay Act (1991:1047), the employer pays compensation for income loss due to illness, sick pay, for the first 14 days of a period of illness. From day 15 onwards, sickness cash benefit is paid by the social insurance offices.

105. There is a one-day waiting period for sickness cash benefit and sick pay. The compensation rates after the waiting day vary over time. Reference is here made to the last report on ILO Convention No. 130.

106. Any registered person who is not entitled to a sickness cash benefit owing to lack of income, or who is entitled to a benefit lower than the guaranteed daily minimum can contract a voluntary insurance.

107. A person taking part in vocational rehabilitation is entitled to a rehabilitation allowance, which ensures him a higher compensation rate than the level of sickness cash benefit.

109. A pregnant woman, who is not able to work at her usual capacity and cannot be assigned more suitable work is entitled to pregnancy cash benefit for a maximum of 50 days. This benefit can be drawn not earlier than 60 days and not later than 10 days before the expected date of birth.

110. The parental insurance scheme has been extended and now provides parental cash benefit for 450 days to a parent who abstains from work to look after his/her child. During 360 days the benefit is 90 per cent of the qualifying income. For the remaining 90 days the parental cash benefit is payable as a fixed guarantee amount of SKr 60. The parents decide for themselves how to divide the time between them.

111. Fathers are entitled to 10 days' leave of absence with parental cash benefit when a child is born.

112. Temporary parental cash benefit is payable, under certain circumstances, for 60 days per child per year to a parent who abstains from work to take care of a sick child under 12 years of age.

113. A care allowance is paid to parents for care of a child under the age of 16 who needs special attention on account of sickness or disability.

114. The parental insurance is also valid for adoptive parents on essentially the same terms as for natural parents.

116. Reference is made to the latest Swedish reports on the ILO Social Security Convention No. 128. See also the memo on recent changes in the Swedish pension system (annex VI).

117. In Sweden these three items are part of the basic pension scheme and the supplementary pension scheme. A number of changes have taken place since the last report. A general description of the rules in force at present is therefore given. For details, see the material referred to above.

118. The usual retirement age in Sweden is 65. However, this age is now variable and it is possible to retire at any time between the ages of 60 and 70, with certain adjustments in the amount of pension received.

119. Swedish nationals, as well as non-nationals, residing in Sweden, are entitled to the national basic pension under the same conditions. The pension is calculated either in relation to the number of years with pension points under the supplementary pension scheme, or in relation to years of residence in Sweden. A minimum of three years of fulfilment is required to be eligible for a pension. In order to be entitled to a full basic pension 30 years with pensionable income or 40 years with residence are required. The basic pension scheme is of universal, flat-rate type and is intended to provide basic protection in case of disability, old age and death and to guarantee a minimum standard for everyone. The benefits are independent of contributions and income test (except for the municipal housing supplement) and are paid independently of earlier income. The various benefits payable under the basic pension scheme are old-age pension, disability pension, survivor's pension (adjustment pension, child pension and widows' pension in accordance with transitional rules) and supplements to the pension.

120. All Swedish nationals as well as non-Swedish nationals, residing in Sweden, are covered by the supplementary pension scheme (ATP), irrespective of profession. The supplementary pension scheme is financed through employer contributions. There have been no significant changes in the supplementary pension scheme except for the abolition of the widows' pension (extensive transitional rules apply) and the introduction of adjustment pension with equal rights for men and women and changes in the child pension.

121. Supplementary pensions are based on income earned from gainful activities between 16 and 65 years of age. Pension-carrying income is calculated per calendar year and is converted into pension points. Three years with pension points are required for entitlement to a supplementary pension. The supplementary pension scheme provides old-age pension, disability pension and survivors' pension over and above the basic pension scheme. The amount of the pension is related to the size of the previous income from gainful activity.

122. Entitlement to supplementary pension benefits is in principle based on income earned in Sweden. Benefits are fully exportable to any country.

123. Employees between the ages of 60 and 65 may work part-time and receive a partial pension. Anyone who has reached the age of 60 and who reduces his or her working hours will receive partial pension as compensation for a part of the income loss. Partial pension is also available for self-employed persons.

124. A person who has a functional impairment or a long-lasting illness and needs technical aids or equipment in order to be able to work or to return to work may obtain a grant towards personal aids.

125. A new social insurance benefit, the assistance allowance, has come into effect as of 1 January 1994. A person who has not reached the age of 65 and has severe functional impairments and needs personal assistance for more than 20 hours per week may apply for compensation for the costs of such assistance.

126. Thirteen per cent of social security charges go to ATP, 5.86 per cent to the basic pension and 0.2 per cent to partial pensions. The basic pension charge covers approximately 55 per cent of the cost of pensions; the remainder is financed by taxes.

127. The grant towards personal aids is financed 85 per cent through social security charges and 15 per cent from the State budget. The assistance allowance is financed from the State budget.

128. Reference is made to the last Swedish report on the ILO Social Security Convention No. 121. The rules for survivors' annuities have been adapted to the new rules concerning survivors' pensions. The work injury concept has been redefined and strengthened and thus considerably narrowed. Financing: 1.38 per cent of social security charges go to the employment injuries fund, which finances the insurance.

129. For a more detailed account, see the leaflet published by the National Labour Market Board (annex VII).

130. The unemployment insurance, which is a voluntary scheme financed by employees' contributions and State grants, covers the overwhelming majority of industrial and building workers, as well as a large number of white-collar workers. The scheme is administered by the unemployment insurance funds. To become entitled to daily cash benefit, the applicant must have payed fees for a period of at least one year and have been gainfully employed for a certain period of time within the 12 months preceding the unemployment.

131. A person who becomes unemployed and who cannot obtain benefits from the unemployment insurance funds, can draw cash labour market assistance from the social insurance office if he has worked for at least five months during the previous year.

132. Financing: employers pay 2.12 per cent of the wage bill into the labour market fund to finance the State grants; employees pay an average of SKr 30 per month.

133. This system has recently been the subject of an extensive review. The outcome of this is that unemployment insurance will become compulsory for all employed persons, who will contribute a specified percentage of their income, up to a certain level, as a directly-levied tax. These charges will be introduced in two stages: 1 per cent of the income for 1994, rising to 2 per cent for 1995.

134. For further details on unemployment insurance, see the reports under ILO Convention No. 102 of 1952 (the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention), Part IV, and in particular the first report under ILO Convention No. 168 of 1988 (the Employment Promotion and Protection against Unemployment Convention) (see list of reference material).

135. Family benefits are paid in the form of a child allowance for each child under 16 years of age who is residing in Sweden. The child allowance amounts to SKr 9,000 per child per year. There is a supplementary allowance for families with three or more children below the age of 16.

136. As from 1 January 1994 the social insurance offices are responsible for the administration of housing grants. The housing grant to families is a means-tested grant which is paid to families and households with or without children. The grant to families and households with children consists of two parts. One part is a special grant for the children living at home and varies with the number of children in the family. The other part is a grant for the costs for dwelling where the applicant lives. Households without children at home can only get the latter grant.

137. Financing: both the child allowance scheme and the housing grant scheme are financed from the State budget.

138. The total social expenditure, including social assistance, amounted to SKr 574,047 million in 1992, representing 40 per cent of GNP. For 1982 the expenditure amounted to SKr 199,086 million, representing 32 per cent of GNP.

139. With regard to national pensions, sickness insurance and occupational injury insurance there are other insurance schemes. The employees in the public sector are, for instance, covered by special pensions and sickness schemes. There are also social security schemes resulting from agreements between the parties on the labour market. All these insurance schemes are, however, only supplementary to the national schemes.

140. Anyone unable to provide for himself is entitled to social welfare allowance, no matter how the need has arisen. The entitlement is defined in the Social Services Act and is handled by the municipal social welfare boards. The rate of this allowance varies from one municipality to another, but must not fall short of a defined minimum subsistence level. Social assistance is financed from the municipal budgets.

141. Sweden is a party to all the conventions mentioned under article 10 except for ILO Convention No. 103. The initial report of the Government of Sweden under the Convention on the Rights of the Child was submitted in 1992 (CRC/C/3/Add.1). Reference is also made to the present report to article 9, Maternity benefits and Family benefits.

142. Reference is made to the second periodic report concerning rights covered by articles 10 to 12 (E/1986/4/Add.13, art. 10.1. Protection of the Family, (b) 8).

143. The term "family" is not defined in Swedish legislation. In the official statistics on population it is used to denote two people who are living together in a permanent relationship, married or not married, with or without children. A single parent with a child also forms a family.

144. Reference is made to the report concerning the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/3/Add.1, paras. 35-47).

145. Reference is made to the second periodic report (E/1986/4/Add.13), article 10.1. Protection of the Family (a) - (d). See also the response in the present report under article 9.

146. Since the last report some changes in the legislation have taken place. The Marriage Code (1987:230) was changed in 1987, when a code of succession and statutory laws on the property regime of cohabiting couples were added (the Cohabitees (Joint Homes) Act) (1987:232), the Homosexual Cohabitees Act (1987:813), the Inheritance Code (1987:815)). In principle, these acts guarantee the cohabitants and their children rights corresponding to the rights which are laid down in the Marriage Code.

147. Cohabiting without being married is very common in Sweden. In 1992, 50 per cent of all children were born into families where the parents were not married. In the majority, 90 per cent, of these families the parents were cohabiting and would share the custody of the children. In less than 1 per cent of all births, paternity was established in a county court. In 1982, 42 per cent of all children were born into families where the parents were not married.

148. Chapter 4 of the Marriage Code contains rules for the marriage ceremony. One of the aims of the rules is to guarantee the right of men and women to enter into marriage with their full and free consent. Marriage is entered into by means of a marriage ceremony in the presence of relatives or other witnesses. At the marriage ceremony, the woman and the man are to be present at the same time. Each of them separately, in response to a question put to them by the person solemnizing the marriage, makes it known that they consent to the marriage. The person solemnizing the marriage thereafter declares them to be spouses. If the ceremony is not conducted as provided, the ceremony is void as a marriage ceremony.

150. In accordance with the Swedish Child Care Leave Act (1978:410), an employee has the right in her/his capacity as a parent to leave of absence for care of the child until it has reached the age of one year and a half. In addition, the employee has the right to shorten her/his working hours to three fourths of the normal working hours until the child has reached the age of eight years or finished its first school year, if this takes place at a later point of time. This right is independent of the benefit rules of the parents' insurance. However, an employee has always the right to leave of absence during the period for which parents' allowance is paid (at most 450 days).

151. Female employees always have the right to complete absence of leave in connection with childbirth for a period of at least six weeks before the estimated moment of the delivery and for six weeks after the delivery. There are no qualification demands for this right to leave of absence.

152. Leave of absence is a right according to the law on parental leave. There is no absolute necessity to take leave of absence.

153. Reference is made to the second periodic report (E/1986/4/Add.13), article 10, 3, Protection of children and young persons. Sweden is now a party to ILO Convention No. 138 of 1973 (the Minimum Age Convention). Reference is made to the first Swedish report under this Convention (see list of reference material).

154. The Social Services Act (1980:620) is still valid as a basis for protection of children and young persons.

155. Alterations were made in 1990 in the Care of Young Persons (Special Provisions) Act (1990:52). The aim was to underline the Social Welfare Board's responsibility to follow up the circumstances of a child taken into public care. According to this Act, a child can be taken into public care on certain conditions:

(a) A care order is to be made if, due to physical abuse, exploitation, deficiencies of care or some other circumstances in the home, there is a palpable risk of a young person's health or development being impaired.

(b) A care order is also to be made if the young person exposes his health or development to a palpable risk of injury through the abuse of addictive substances, criminal activity or some other socially degrading behaviour.

The Act is only to be used if there is no possibility to reach an agreement with the young person aged 15 or over, or his parents/custodian on measures provided for by the Social Services Act.

156. In 1992, 3,700 children under 18 were taken into care and placed in a foster home or an institution for care under the Social Services Act, while 700 were taken into care under the Care of Young Persons (Special Provisions) Act. These children constituted 0.2 per cent of all children aged 0-17 years. The corresponding figures for 1982, were 5,000 and 800 respectively, (0.3 per cent).

157. Reference is made to the second periodic report (E/1986/4/Add.13), article 10. 3, Protection of children and young persons, (e) Protection of minors in employment conditions. However, some changes have taken place since this last report. Reference is also made to the summary of the main rules governing the employment of minors out of school, taken from the Ordinance (Minors at Work, 1990:19) of the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health (see list of reference material).

158. The Work Environment Act (1977:1160) contains the basic provisions relating to the work of minors. Provisions corresponding to this act are issued by the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health. In 1990 a statute book containing revised (sharpened) provisions was published.

159. A person is considered as minor under the age of 18. In principle, minors are not allowed to work as long as they are of compulsory school age, i.e. up to 16. However, there are several exceptions to this general rule. These exceptions are laid down in the statute book. The work tasks suitable for minors must be chosen with great care, with particular regard to the physical and mental condition of the minor in order to avoid overstrain or any accident. The permitted work must not interfere with school hours. No kind of heavy work is allowed. Work by minors must be supervised by specially appointed persons.

160. There are no official statistics on work by minors. Basically, minors who are still at school do not work regularly. However, it is not uncommon that minors work during vacations.

161. The following information has been taken from the manpower investigations of Statistics Sweden. The lower age limit in the investigations is 16 years. The figures show the number of gainfully employed, full-time or part-time, employed or self-employed/assistants in family businesses.

162. The draft bill mentioned in the second periodic report (E/1986/4/Add.13, paras. 9-12) was passed by the Parliament, and the new legislation entered into force on 1 January 1988. The rules on custody of children, paragraphs 58 to 62, were amended in 1991 and the rules now in force are described in the Swedish report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/3/Add.1, paras. 89-91).

163. The GDP per capita grew throughout the 1980s and reached a peak in 1990. In 1993 the GDP had fallen back to the same level as in 1986.

Gross Domestic Product per capita 1980-1993

(1980 = 100)

164. Adjusted disposable income in Swedish households for the years 1980-1991 was as follows:

Note: The figures for 1991 are affected by a change in the taxation system. Adjusted figures for comparisons between 1989, 1990 and 1991 are presented in the table.

165. Income development at the beginning of the 1980s was characterized by a decrease in the purchasing power of households. This trend turned in 1985 when disposable income started to increase. It is obvious that the distribution of income became more uneven during the late 1980s and particularly so between 1990 and 1991 when the Gini-koefficient increased from 0.246 to 0.261. The 10 per cent of the households with the highest incomes increased their part of the total income sum from 20.6 per cent in 1989 to 21.0 per cent 1991.

166. In the 1980s the differences in disposable income between younger and older households have been increasing to the disadvantage of the younger. This difference is estimated to have continued between 1991 and 1993. The younger households have lost some 11 per cent of their disposable income during these last years compared to a loss of 5.5 per cent for older households. Pensioners, on the other hand, have gained some 2 per cent during the same period.

167. Although there are no tabulations on monetary poverty produced in Swedish official statistics, some different calculations for measuring poverty have been published.

168. In a report to the Ministry of Finance in 1993, income poverty was calculated. The poverty line was defined using the recommended income level for social assistance - a normative poverty line.

169. To make a fair comparison between families of different sizes, disposable income is adjusted by an equivalence scale. This scale differs slightly from the one usually called the OECD scale. The Swedish scale is based on the recommendations for social assistance which are published by the National Social Advisory Board. In these recommendations the amount of assistance is adjusted according to different needs and the number of members in the household.

Poverty incidence as a percentage in Sweden. Persons living

in households with disposable income below the income level

for social assistance

(percentages)

The trend shows a decreasing part of the population with an income below the poverty line.

170. The same poverty line was used in another special study on economic resources and the less privileged groups in Sweden (Social Report 1994, The National Board of Health and Welfare). The table below shows the percentage of each socio-economic group below the poverty line in 1991.

171. Some of the above groups have benefited less from the trend towards increasing incomes during the 1980s. In particular this is true for immigrants from non-Nordic countries. Farmers have low disposable incomes, but only 8 per cent fall below the poverty line when capital assets (land) are considered in the analysis.

172. Apart from the groups presented in the table above, young people belong to a group which can be considered as less privileged in terms of low disposable income.

173. In a special study on poverty, Swedish data are compared with data from the Commission of the European Communities (Final Report on the Second European Poverty Programme 1985-1989, Brussels, 13 February 1991).

Poverty incidence as a percentage in 11 EC countries

(Poverty line defined as 50 per cent of average national income)

174. The Social Services Act states that the local municipal authorities are ultimately responsible for the support, help and needs of all inhabitants in each respective municipality. The right to assistance under the act implies a right on the part of the individual to assistance towards his sustenance and his general living conditions. The objective is to ensure the individual a reasonable standard of living.

175. Extensive interview surveys have been conducted in Sweden and the other Nordic countries over the past 20 years in order to examine living conditions. These studies report on: education, employment, working environment, income, material standards, housing conditions, recreational activities, social contacts, victimization by criminality, political participation and health. The latest published overview reflects the period 1975-1985. (Inequality in Sweden, Statistics Sweden 1988).

176. Eighteen conclusions about the development of welfare in Sweden are presented in the report:

177. Though the differences between the various socio-economic groups in Sweden may seem small in an international perspective, there are still some noticeable differences in the material standard of living between workers, salaried employees and management and entrepreneurs. The differences, however, have become smaller since the mid-1970s.

178. The analysis also reports on generational differences. These have become wider. The most favourable development is found for pensioners and people between 45 and 64, whose children have left home. The most negative trends are found for young people about to enter into gainful employment and start a family, while families with children have a position in between.

179. The last 35 years have seen great changes in the regional distribution of both population and jobs. The metropolitan areas have expanded greatly, and in other regions as well there has been an increased concentration of people in the cities. During the period 1975-1985 living conditions in different regions declined. The effects of structural change of the Swedish economy, however, are still to be seen, as metropolitan areas with growing private service sectors are favoured compared to those parts of the country where declining agriculture, forestry and manufacturing industries used to form the mainstay of the economic structure.

180. The social report, mentioned above, further describes the development from 1980 to 1992 of some indicators of living conditions of the Swedish population, such as economic resources, employment and housing. In particular, this report focuses on the situation of less privileged groups of our society. The report defines these groups as refugees, immigrants, single parents, families with young children and to a certain extent young people.

181. Immigrants and particularly refugees arriving during the last part of the 1980s are facing severe problems on the labour market. Many of them are unemployed. For those who have jobs, the work environment is much worse than for the rest of the population. Immigrants are overrepresented among receivers of social assistance. Among earlier immigrants (from Greece, Yugoslavia and Turkey) women are greatly overrepresented among early pensioners.

182. Although the economic situation improved during the 1980s for most people in the country, single parents and families with young children saw their economic margins shrink. Quite a few faced economic hardship and received social assistance. One third of the single mothers received social assistance during some period each calendar year.

183. The elderly and the handicapped used to be two categories by tradition facing severe hardship in the Swedish society. During the last decades, their conditions have improved thanks to several reforms directed particularly to the elderly and, lately, to the handicapped.

184. In December 1991, Sweden had a population of about 8.6 million people, of whom 17.7 per cent were over 65 years old, most of them pensioners, and about 58 per cent were women. The life expectancy for a new-born girl was 80.2 years and for a boy 74.4 years. The number of people in the age group 65 and over will not change between 1992 and the year 2000. Between 2000 and 2020 it is expected to increase by 25 per cent. However, the age group 80 and over has increased by 44 per cent since 1980. Prognoses indicate that between 1992 and the year 2000, this age group will increase by almost 20 per cent, while those aged 90 and over will increase by almost 50 per cent. (see table below).

Proportion of old-age pensioners aged 65 and over and 80 and over

185. In December 1993, there were nearly 100,000 immigrants in Sweden in the age group 65 and over who were born in another country. This corresponds to 6 per cent of the total age group 65 and over. Within the next 20 years, the number of old immigrants will double from 100,000 to 200,000.

186. The main concept for the care of the elderly in Sweden today is to enable them to continue to live at home as long as possible. The decline in the proportion of elderly people in institutions during the past 10 years is a result of the prevailing ideology in Sweden and many other countries. Both human and financial benefits can be achieved by reducing institutional living, helping the elderly to remain at home with adequate home help.

187. Most people in Sweden (92 per cent) live in ordinary homes, approximately half of them owner-occupied. The general housing standard is high. Most elderly people are living in modern, warm homes with well equipped kitchens, hot and cold running water and indoor toilets. Nevertheless, the policy that as many as possible shall remain living at home, often creates demands for houses and flats to be adapted to special needs, with sufficient care and help available when an elderly person no longer can manage on his own at home. According to the Social Service Act municipalities in Sweden are responsible for this support.

188. Approximately 8 per cent of the elderly aged 65 and over in Sweden live in various kinds of sheltered housing. The programme of sheltered living comprises service housing, old peoples homes and various forms of long-term somatic and psychiatric care (see table).

189. Service housing comprises ordinary apartment buildings with a special service unit for meals, care and treatment during the day. Old people's homes are special buildings with small rooms, most often single rooms, for the elderly, staffed round-the-clock and with all meals served there. Nursing homes and group living provide long-term somatic care for people with dementia, mainly for those aged 80 and over.

Number (in 1,000s) of elderly people in different age groups in different

housing programmes, somatic and social care and treatment in 1991

190. As stated above, more than 90 per cent of elderly people in Sweden live at home. About two thirds of all old age care is provided by the next-of-kin. Of those aged 65 and over, who are not in sheltered housing, and who cannot cope on their own, approximately 16 per cent received home-help from the municipality in 1992 with personal hygiene, shopping, cleaning, etc.; 38 per cent of those aged 80 and over and 57 per cent of those aged 90 and over had home-help. Despite the fact that the number of elderly people in Sweden is steadily increasing, the number of people receiving home-help is decreasing. In 1981, 22 per cent of the elderly aged 65 and over had home-help in comparison with 16 per cent in 1992. This development is a consequence of attempts to trim back and rationalize services and to concentrate resources on certain groups of the population - the very oldest.

191. The concept of disability is environmentally defined in Sweden. "Handicap" is defined as a problem in the interaction between individuals and the environment, not as a characteristic of an individual.

192. There is surprisingly little data in Sweden on the total number of disabled people and their distribution by age and type of disability. Various estimates indicate that there are about 100,000 severely handicapped persons in Sweden.

193. Figures can be shown from two periods (1981 and 1989) for the proportion of the population with impaired mobility, impaired hearing, impaired eyesight and reduced working capacity. Unfortunately, the surveys were made with different sample definitions, which contaminates the results.

Proportion of people 16-84 years old with disability in 1981, and the

corresponding results in 1989 for the group 16 and over

194. As the results in 1989 are based on a population which includes people aged 85 and over (in contrast to 1981) we find - not surprisingly - higher values in 1989 than in 1981. One exception is to be seen: for "impaired mobility" the results are the same for the two years. This can be interpreted as an improvement. Fewer people in 1989 suffered from impaired mobility than in 1981.

195. Legislation on the rights of the functionally handicapped is characterized by an ambition to integrate issues in the context to which they belong, education, working environment, etc. The Social Services Act emphasizes that local authorities must make every effort to enable people with physical or mental functional impairments to live in a way that corresponds to their needs and to play an active part in the community.

196. A new law in force from 1 January 1994, the Act concerning Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments (1993:387), has extended the rights of the functionally impaired. One of the most important elements in the new Act is the right to personal assistance. The Act also extends the right to financial support for parents with functionally handicapped children.

197. In an international context Sweden's nutritional status is very good. Life expectancy is among the highest in the world. Access to food is no problem in our country, nor are health problems due to energy or nutritional deficiencies. As the socio-economic situation has improved, so has the health and nutrition situation.

198. However, the high standard of living in Sweden in recent decades has not been entirely without drawbacks. It has also created new problems. The most serious diseases in Sweden today are cancer and cardiovascular diseases, both of which are clearly linked to lifestyles.

199. The National Food Administration publishes nutrition recommendations where the aim is to provide nutritional guidelines for a diet which, in the light of our present knowledge, forms a basis for general good health and does not involve any special risk. The recommendations are based on the present nutritional situation in Sweden and aim at defining the basis for planning a diet that:

(a) Satisfies the primary nutritional requirements, i.e. meets the physiological requirements of each individual for growth and function; and

(b) Provides the prerequisites for general good health and reduces the risk of diseases caused by faulty diets.

200. Reference is made to the Swedish country paper to the FAO/WHO International Conference on Nutrition 1992 (Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Swedish Ministry of Agriculture).

201. Reference is made to the fact that the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning is preparing a report to the "Habitat II" Conference in Istanbul in 1996. The report will be adjusted to the format of the Housing Indicator Programme and will be available in early 1995.

202. Sweden has some 4 million dwellings, some 2.1 million of them in blocks of flats and the other 1.9 million in single- or two-family houses. There are about 470 dwellings per thousand inhabitants. If summer houses are included, the figure rises to 550 dwellings per thousand inhabitants. In 1990, 60 per cent of the population lived in single- or two-family houses; 70 per cent of all households with children fell into this category. Some 22 per cent of the adult population owned a summer house in 1985.

203. There were 2.0 rooms per inhabitant and the average living area per person was almost 47 m² in 1990. Towards the end of the 1960s the Government laid down that dwellings should be large enough so that no more than two persons need occupy the same room, excluding kitchen and living room. This goal has largely been achieved. In 1990, 98 per cent of all households measured up to this standard. Some 35 per cent of all households had at least one room per person, excluding kitchen and living room. The exceptions are to be found above all in single-person households and in households with a large number of children.

204. Approximately three quarters of the present housing stock in Sweden has been built since 1940, and the older dwellings have largely been modernized. In 1985, 98 per cent of all households had running water, central heating and their own WC. In addition, 95 per cent of them had their own shower or bath. In 1945, only 28 per cent had their own shower or bath and only 36 per cent had their own WC.

205. As a rule, dwellings are equipped with household appliances. In 1985, 97 per cent of the adult population had access to a washing machine, 91 per cent to a freezer, 37 per cent to a dishwasher and 98 per cent to a telephone.

206. The Social Report 1994 reflects the housing situation for the less privileged groups in Sweden. Persons with low disposable income, social assistance receivers and immigrants belong to the 2 per cent that have not reached the standard of one room per person. They are said to live in "overcrowded conditions".

207. There is an estimated amount of 10,000 homeless individuals in Sweden. Of these, 1,000 persons are believed to be genuine homeless, while the rest are staying temporarily with friends or in shelters run by the local authorities or by charity organizations. Two thirds of the homeless abuse alcohol or drugs. Immigrants from non-European countries are overrepresented and 80 per cent of the homeless are men.

209. The number of evicted persons has increased from 5,000 in 1990 to more than 7,000 in 1993. Unpaid rent is the cause of the majority of the evictions (70 per cent). Disturbance in combination with unpaid rent lie behind the rest of the evictions. All evictions are carried out in accordance with the legislation in force, which covers all tenants with a valid rental agreement or lease. There are no particular categories that lack legal protection against arbitrary eviction.

210. Housing allowances for low-income families with children became available in 1948. A similar system for pensioners was created. Today housing allowances are also available for low-income households without children, as well as for students.

211. There are three different forms of tenure: ownership, tenant-ownership and renting. Forty-six per cent of all dwellings are single- or two-family houses, usually owner-occupied. Just about 40 per cent are rented, while 15 per cent are tenant-owned. About 50 per cent of all rented flats are owned by non-profit municipal housing corporations.

212. Reference is made to the latest Swedish report, "Monitoring the European Health for All Strategy, 1993-1994", which was delivered to WHO in April 1994 (annex VIII).

213. In an international context the health situation among the population of Sweden is good. However, the care provided could be improved in terms of accessibility, patient satisfaction and results of treatment. For the next decade we anticipate increased efforts with regard to quality.

214. The health status of the population is monitored every third year and will next be published in the "Public health report 1994" (National Board of Health and Welfare). This report is based upon official statistics on demographic development, mortality, causes of death, certain diseases, work injuries, road traffic accidents, illness absence and early retirement. Another source is the surveys of living conditions, where self-assessment of general health status plays an important part.

215. In an international context Sweden's population enjoys good and improving health. In many respects, however, satisfactory health conditions are unevenly distributed among the population. The risk of becoming a victim of ill-health and disease is related to age, sex and socio-economic status. The risk increases with age and physical illness is more common among women than among men. During the 1980s women, particularly in the working class,

had negative health development, while men's health developed in a positive direction. The health status of less privileged social groups tends to be worse in almost all respects. Immigrants in particular belong to a group with negative health development. The unemployed are also considered to be exposed to increasing morbidity and mortality risks.

216. Immigrants receive the same health care as other people in Sweden. This can be provided by qualified medical staff, multilingual personnel and staff with an insight into cultural differences, as well as by providing information about the health care services in different languages and through interpretation.

218. See target 26 in annex VIII. Health care costs have increased very rapidly in recent decades. During the last few years, however, the increases have not exceeded 1.5 per cent in fixed prices. In 1992 the costs amounted to 8.7 per cent of GNP as against 4.7 per cent in 1960, 9.4 per cent in 1980 and 8.8 per cent in 1985. Costs of primary care cannot be separated from the total costs of health care before 1985. In 1985, 25 per cent of the total health care costs was spent on primary care. In 1991, the corresponding proportion was 29 per cent.

219. With reference to the information requested in the subparagraphs of paragraph 4 of the Guidelines on article 12, the following applies:

(d) See target 4-5. The vaccination coverage for diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles is some 97 per cent. Pertussis vaccination is given to high risk groups (approximately 5 per cent). This is also true for vaccination against tuberculosis, which is given to some 5 to 10 per cent of all children, mostly immigrants;

221. For the information requested in subparagraphs (a) to (h), the following applies:

(b) See target 28. Special information about the health care system is given in different immigrant languages. The Ministry of Culture, which is responsible for the reception of refugees, has recently set aside SKr 50 million for extra support to immigrants from Bosnia.

(e) The maternity care programme is accessible for all women and is aimed at preventing complications in relation to childbirth.

(f) and (g) Sweden is a party to ILO Conventions No. 161 of 1985 (the Occupational Health Services Convention) and No. 162 of 1986 (the Asbestos Convention). Reference is made to the Swedish reports on the implementation of these Conventions (see list of reference material).

(g) See target 14. Sweden has for a long time had laws and regulations on various procedures for counteracting the spread of infectious diseases constituting a serious threat to human health. The main provisions on this subject are now contained in the Communicable Diseases Act (1988:1472) and the Communicable Diseases Ordinance. Responsibility for preventing the spread of infectious diseases is divided between the county councils and the municipalities. The county medical officers play an important role in this work.

222. Reference is made to the response above, relating to article 11, and to target 30.

225. One fundamental principle of the Swedish education system is that everybody must have access to equivalent education, regardless of ethnic and social background, as well as residential locality.

226. Compulsory school and upper secondary school are both comprehensive schools, designed to accommodate all members of the rising generation. All schools are coeducational. The curricula for compulsory and upper secondary education have nationwide validity.

227. Institutions of higher education, also at the postgraduate level, exist in all parts of Sweden, and the rules of admission are designed to permit a variety of access routes to post-secondary studies.

228. Adult education in Sweden has a long history, and options for further and continuing education are available in many different forms throughout the country. Education for adults equivalent to the education conferred by compulsory and upper secondary schools is part of the public school system. Swedish education is thus a structurally uniform system from elementary level via upper secondary schooling to adult education.

229. All public education is wholly or partially financed from the public budget and tuition is free of charge in all public institutions. Various financial assistance schemes are provided for students in upper secondary, adult and higher education.

230. Overall responsibility for education in Sweden is borne by Parliament and the Government. With few exceptions, all education comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science.

231. Legislation is passed by Parliament, which also decides on the funding of Government appropriations to the education system. The government issues the ordinances as well as general guidelines applying to various types of education and decides on the distribution of government appropriations. The Government also lays down the curricula for the school system.

232. The State is responsible for ensuring that all educational activities are followed up and evaluated and for central development and renewal of the education system. The State is also responsible for providing government grants for various purposes and for financial assistance to students. Subject to the authority of Parliament and the Government, these State functions in the education system are performed by central government agencies, immediately subordinate to the Ministry of Education and Science.

233. The main central authority for supervision of the school system is the National Agency for Education. Its foremost responsibilities are for national follow-up, evaluation and supervision of all school activities, and for central development work within the school sector. Responsibility for various support measures for handicapped students within the school system is vested in the Swedish Agency for Special Education.

234. Responsibility for evaluation of higher education is borne by the Chancellor's Office of the Swedish Universities, which coordinates assessment and evaluation of the institutions of higher education. The Chancellor's Office is also responsible for examining the right of an institution of higher education to award degrees. National follow-up of the activities of universities and university colleges is entrusted to the National Agency for Higher Education.

235. The National Board of Student Aid is responsible for administration, follow-up and evaluation of financial assistance to students for post-compulsory studies.

236. Those responsible for the provision of education under the Ministry of Education and Science are the State, the county councils, the municipalities and private mandators.

237. The main principle governing the division of responsibilities and functions within the Swedish education system today is that Parliament and the Government should control educational activities by defining national goals and guidelines for education, while the national and local education authorities together with the different organizers are responsible for ensuring that the education system is arranged in accordance with national goals. Within the framework and guidelines laid down by Parliament and Government, the organizers enjoy considerable freedom to determine how activities are to be implemented and how resources are to be distributed and used.

238. Sweden has 286 municipalities, each with a popularly elected council as the highest decision-making body. The municipalities operate such public services as schools, child care and care for the elderly, housing and cultural and leisure activities.

239. The municipalities together with the county councils constitute the local government. The local authorities are bound by law and regulations to provide a number of basic services for which, however, they receive subsidies from the national Government. In addition, they have the right to levy income taxes and they also charge fees for various services. Practically all education in Sweden below university level is provided and managed by the local authorities.

240. The local authorities and their political leaders bear overall responsibility for the implementation and development of educational activities within the school system. The county councils and some municipalities are also responsible for certain institutions of higher education.

241. Each municipal council and county council has to appoint one or more committees to ensure that educational activities are conducted in compliance with State regulations and guidelines and that the external conditions of education are as appropriate and favourable as possible.

242. Committees responsible for schools are obliged to ensure inter alia that schools are built and sufficient facilities are provided, that qualified teachers and school staff are hired, that municipal funds are allocated for school activities, that it is made possible to achieve goals laid down in the curricula and that the general guidelines are complied with. In practice, it is the responsibility of the local committees to ensure that Swedish schools uphold equivalent standards all over the country.

243. Education in Sweden has traditionally been organized within the public sector, and there are few private institutions for compulsory and post-compulsory education. As part of a general trend in Swedish society towards decentralization of responsibilities and decision-making powers, as well as privatization of certain, traditionally public activities, the education system has, however, undergone fundamental changes in recent years.

244. In 1991 municipalities were given undivided responsibility for organizing and implementing school activities. Parliament has also laid down the principles of school management by objectives and results with fewer regulations and clearer goals. The consequences of these policy decisions on responsibilities for schooling included the introduction of a new and more general funding system for schools and adult education, as well as a transformation of the national administration of the education system.

245. In 1993 the role of the State was further limited by the implementation of a radical reform of the system of higher education, including the introduction of a new Higher Education Act and a new system for the allocation of resources to universities and university colleges. Under the new regulations, universities and university colleges have been given greater autonomy in a number of matters, including the organization of study, the admission of students and the use of available resources.

246. Another guiding principle of the education policy implemented after the change of Government in 1991 has been to create scope for diversity within the education system and freedom for individual pupils and students to choose between different types of schools and institutions of higher education, as well as between study routes.

247. New possibilities have also been opened up for private mandators to operate within the system. Municipalities and county councils have also the opportunity of contracting private mandators to provide tuition in particular subjects in the upper secondary school.

248. State subsidies to municipalities take the form of a general equalization grant for various public services that the municipalities are obliged to provide. The State grant provides a supplement to the tax revenues of every municipality and is also aimed at equalizing differences between municipalities. State funding, then, has nothing to do with school organization. The municipalities are at liberty to deploy the grants for various services as they see fit. However, if a municipality seriously disregards its obligations under the Education Act, the Government has a right to intervene. In addition, there are special State grants for measures for mentally retarded pupils.

249. The municipalities are obliged to compensate independent schools approved by the National Agency for Education for providing compulsory education for pupils who choose this type of school. Under certain conditions, this also applies to independent schools at upper secondary level.

250. The law does not allow tuition fees to be charged in schools run by the municipalities. Independent schools, however, are able to charge a reasonable fee to cover certain costs which are not covered by State grants.

251. Teaching materials in compulsory school are similarly free of charge to the individual. School meals and school transport are provided free of charge for compulsory school pupils. In most municipalities, meals and books are also free of charge to upper secondary students.

252. Universities and university colleges under State mandatorship are wholly financed by the Government, and funds for education are placed at the direct disposal of the institutions.

253. The major part of the resources are allocated to each university or college on the basis of calculation per capita of the number of students per faculty set out in an Education Task Contract for each institution. The funding system contains three parts:

254. Higher education institutions operated by local governments receive State subsidies. Each county council and municipality is responsible for the remaining costs. The State also subsidizes a number of institutions run by private mandators.

256. All students between 16 and 20 years of age who are receiving upper secondary education in upper secondary school or municipal adult education receive State study assistance. This also applies to students in private schools, if their studies come under State supervision. The post-secondary study assistance scheme applies to students in undergraduate education at universities, university colleges and certain other establishments, as well as to students aged 20 and over receiving upper secondary schooling. In addition, there is an adult study assistance scheme for both long-term and short-term studies.

257. Compulsory education in Sweden takes the form of nine years of schooling at a comprehensive school (grundskola) for children aged 7 to 16. However, since 1991 children have a right to start school at the age of six years, if their parents so desire and if the municipality has the capacity to provide this opportunity. The option should be available in all municipalities by the school year 1997/98. It should also be mentioned that the Government has appointed a special commissioner with the task of investigating the consequences of extending compulsory schooling to 10 years by making school attendance compulsory from six years of age.

258. The compulsory school system comprises compulsory school, Sami school for Sami-speaking children in the north of the country, special schools for children with certain handicaps (for example children with impaired hearing) and compulsory school for the mentally retarded. At present, all these schools have their own, centrally compiled curricula.

259. All children of compulsory school age are entitled to a place within the public school system. Education equivalent to schooling at compulsory school level is also an entitlement for adults who need basic education.

260. It is the duty of municipal authorities to organize voluntary home language instruction for pupils using a language other than Swedish for their everyday communication with at least one of their parents. In 1992 almost 12 per cent of the pupils had another mother tongue than Swedish. About 57 per cent of these pupils took home language instruction. The most common languages taught in compulsory school are Finnish, Spanish and Arabic.

261. In the school year 1991/92 4.3 per cent of pupils finished compulsory school without a complete leaving certificate. Many of these pupils had followed an adjusted study programme.

262. A new curriculum conveying knowledge, norms and values will come into effect in the 1995/96 school year for grades 1 to 7 of compulsory school, compulsory school for the mentally retarded and special school, and for the whole of Sami school. New syllabi will state the goals which are to be achieved by the end of the fifth and ninth year of school. A new time-schedule will provide a minimum guaranteed teacher- or supervisor-led instruction time in units of 60 minutes, divided between different subjects and groups of subjects. The time-schedule should also provide scope for individual choice of closer study of one or more subjects. Teachers, within the framework of the time-schedule, will themselves decide the allocation of teaching time between different grades. The only restriction will be that imposed by the syllabus assessment at the end of the fifth and ninth years.

263. A new marking system is to be goal- and achievement-related instead of relative. It will be geared to special achievement criteria which are to be devised in conjunction with the syllabi so as to make it clear to teachers and pupils alike which achievements are necessary for the award of a certain mark. Final awards of nationwide validity are to be made in the ninth year.

264. Almost all pupils (over 98 per cent) attend schools run by the municipalities, usually in their local area. The Education Act states, however, that parents and pupils should be able to make a choice concerning compulsory education. To the extent that it is possible, parents' wishes for their children to attend a particular public school within the municipality should be considered. Parents and pupils should also be free to choose between public and private schools, and as from the school year 1992/1993, independent schools that are approved for providing compulsory education have been given the conditions to operate on basically the same terms as the municipal compulsory schools. As a consequence, the number of private or independent schools is increasing. In 1993 around 200 independent schools were registered and were attended by about 2 per cent of children. Many independent schools are affiliated with a certain pedagogy, such as the Montessori or Rudolf Steiner methods; others are based on confessional ideas.

265. Municipalities are obliged, under the Education Act, to provide upper secondary schooling for all pupils leaving compulsory school. This applies to all residents up to and including the first six months of the year of their twentieth birthday. The individual has a corresponding unconditional right to such education. Persons above 20 years of age can pursue upper secondary studies within the public school system for adults.

266. Over 95 per cent of compulsory school leavers apply for upper secondary school and nearly all of them are accepted.

267. At the end of the 1980s a reform of the structure of the upper secondary school was initiated, which in 1991 led to major alterations to the former Education Act of 1985. A new system of upper secondary education was introduced in the 1992/1993 school year.

268. The new system involves substantial changes in the curriculum and marking system of the non-compulsory schools. These changes will take effect on 1 July 1994.

269. The great majority of upper secondary studies take place in schools coming under the mandate of the municipalities. Studies in agriculture, forestry, horticulture and certain caring occupations, however, take place in schools run by the county councils. Together, county councils and municipalities are also responsible for the four-year upper secondary school for the mentally retarded. There are also a number of privately run upper secondary schools.

270. Upper secondary schools are generally centrally located in larger municipalities and the students usually come from several different municipalities. The large upper secondary schools mostly include a variety of study programmes and courses.

271. Student numbers vary between 300 and 1,500. In many places upper secondary students and students in municipal adult education share the same building. Sparsely populated areas have upper secondary schools which collaborate with the senior level of compulsory school and with an upper secondary school in a larger municipality.

272. The number of students per class does not usually exceed 30 in theoretical study programmes and courses and 16 in practical, vocational ones.

273. Most of the independent upper secondary schools are found in the major urban areas and there are great variations between them in terms of programmes on offer. The average number of students in independent upper secondary schools is approximately 100, as compared with about 700 in municipal schools.

274. In the new upper secondary school all education will be organized in 16 nationally defined study programmes of three years' duration. The students are given increased choice with respect to the content of their own education, as well as greater possibilities to influence the learning situation and the forms of evaluation.

275. Students who have requirements other than those provided by the 16 national programmes can opt to follow a specially designed programme, for which the student, in cooperation with the school, designs an individual syllabus for the whole period of study.

276. For students who are unsure of what to study there can also be individual programmes of varying length and content. After having studied in an individual programme the student may transfer to one of the national programmes, a specially designed programme or apprenticeship training.

277. The following core subjects are common to all programmes: Swedish, English, civics, religious studies, mathematics, natural science, physical education and health, and artistic activities. In addition, students take subjects which are specific to their programme. In all programmes time is set aside for local supplements or practical work connected with subjects, as well as for students' individual choices of additional subjects and courses within the national programmes.

278. All students who are entitled to education in a national programme can apply to any school in the country. Municipalities must offer a comprehensive selection of national programmes, and admissions capacity for the various programmes must be adapted to student preferences. If a municipality is unable to provide all programmes, the local authority can enter into agreement to cooperate with other municipalities.

279. Around 6 per cent of upper secondary students have a mother tongue other than Swedish. In the school year 1992/1993 46 per cent of these took home language courses in 74 different languages. Roughly one quarter of them also received instruction in Swedish as a second language.

280. Remedial teaching is offered in upper secondary school to students who are in need of extra help.

281. Under the new system, all three-year programmes will meet the general eligibility requirements for studies at institutions of higher education. The two preparatory programmes for higher education will also meet most of the specific entrance requirements.

282. Teachers of general subjects have a university degree in two or three subjects. They have also received one year's training in the theory and practice of teaching, subsequent to their subject studies. Vocational teaching in upper secondary schools is provided by subject teachers with advanced economic or technical qualifications or by vocational teachers who have completed vocational training and studies of vocational theory. They have also acquired long experience of their trades and undergone teacher training at institutes of education.

284. The public school system for adults is regulated under the Education Act. The system comprises municipal adult education, adult education for the intellectually handicapped, basic Swedish language instruction for immigrants and national schools for adults. With the exception of two national schools for adults, which are run by the State, responsibility for this part of the education system rests with the municipalities.

285. Municipal adult education includes basic education for adults, upper secondary adult education and supplementary education for adults.

286. Studies within municipal adult education lead to formal qualifications in individual subjects or to the equivalent of a complete compulsory school or upper secondary school leaving certificate. Education is organized in the form of separate courses, which should be arranged in such a way that students can combine their studies with employment. The students are able to choose their own study programme and they can also combine studies at compulsory and upper secondary level. There are no entrance requirements or examinations.

287. Basic adult education equal to the first six years of compulsory school is also a municipal responsibility. Today this type of education confers knowledge and skills equal to those conferred by the whole of compulsory school. Basic adult education is a right for the citizen and its provision is mandatory for the municipalities.

288. Upper secondary adult education should confer knowledge and skills equal to those conferred by youth education at upper secondary level. It should also offer more or less the same programmes and subjects as the upper secondary school.

289. The purpose of supplementary adult education is to provide vocational courses which are not available in the youth sector. The courses should lead to higher professional competence or to competence in a new profession.

290. As a supplement to municipal adult education there are two national schools for adults. Instruction in these schools is partly or entirely by correspondence. Participants are recruited from all over the country, and the schools cater above all for students who for various reasons are unable to attend regular courses.

291. Adult education for the mentally retarded corresponds to the instruction provided for mentally retarded children in compulsory school. It can also include instruction at training school level, as well as vocational education.

292. The municipalities are obliged to provide basic Swedish language instruction for adult immigrants.

293. The following are replies and comments relating to the relevant paragraphs of the guidelines on article 13:

294. Over the last couple of years the higher education system of Sweden has been reformed, aiming at a deregulation and greater autonomy for the individual institutions of higher education.

295. The present system is based on a new Higher Education Act from 1992 and a new Higher Education Ordinance from 1993, which together entail decisive changes in the policy which was implemented by the Higher Education Act of 1977.

296. Since 1993 the centrally regulated organization of studies into national programmes has been abolished. In the new organization of studies all undergraduate education is given in the form of courses. Freedom of choice of subject and study route for the students is a guiding principle of the 1993 reform.

297. The organization of studies is based on courses that can be combined in degree programmes. Requirements and goals for the degrees offered, and the authority for each higher education institution to grant general and professional degrees, are set out in a Degree Ordinance included in the Higher Education Ordinance. The following general degrees are specified in the Degree Ordinance: Master's degree; Bachelor's degree; Diploma. Alongside these general degrees there are 52 professional degrees, for example, University Diploma in Engineering or in Medicine.

298. Higher education is divided into undergraduate studies and postgraduate studies. Six universities and some specialized institutions of higher education offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These institutions have the authority to grant different professional degrees and Master's degrees.

299. Fifteen university colleges offer a more limited range of undergraduate studies than the universities. These institutions have the authority to grant various professional degrees and Bachelor's degrees, and in some cases also Master's degrees in certain subject areas.

300. Colleges of Health Sciences, under the auspices of the county councils, offer programmes which provide preparation for work in the paramedical professions. There are seven art colleges in Stockholm. Outside Stockholm the corresponding art education is provided at the universities. These institutions have the authority to grant various professional degrees and Diplomas.

301. Most of the higher education institutions are government agencies and fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and Science. They are, however, free from direct government control and decide themselves about the way studies are organized, curricula, student admissions and the allocation of resources. As a consequence, government decisions are of a more general nature. The University of Agricultural Sciences is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture. There are also a few independent higher education institutions. In the near future two higher education institutions will be run under a new form of non-public ownership.

302. In the following, references are made to "Some general principles of the Swedish education system" (see the introductory section under art. 13 above).

303. With regard to general access to higher education, see the first part of the introduction. The costs of such higher education are about SKr 10 billion for undergraduate studies and about SKr 1 billion for postgraduate studies. All tuition in higher education is free of charge.

304. With regard to the right to higher education roughly 35 per cent of young persons enter higher education after completion of their upper secondary schooling. Apart from students coming straight from school, the post-secondary population includes mature students, who have various amounts of work experience.

305. During the 1970s and 1980s the Swedish higher education system had a nearly constant dimension with a total number of 160,000 full-time equivalent students taught at the different higher education institutions, in spite of a considerable increase in the demand for higher education. Since 1991, however, there has been a steady expansion of the total capacity for undergraduate studies and by the mid-1990s there will be about 205,000 students - an increase of approximately 30 per cent. A goal for the present Government is to raise the number of students in higher education even more without lowering standards. Owing to this quality requirement a new expansion of higher education cannot be initiated till the end of the 1990s.

306. The Government has recently set the goal of doubling the number of postgraduate students by the year 2000.

307. With regard to graduating and drop-out rates in higher education: within 11 years, on average 70 per cent of the higher education students graduate from the same study route on which they started. (The variation between shorter and longer study programmes is considerable. The graduating rate is higher for the shorter study programmes). The drop-out rate is, however, not as high as 30 per cent because a number of students start in one study programme and graduate in another.

308. Concerning equal access to higher education: there are no big differences in the educational attainment levels between the sexes. Females have a somewhat higher attainment level but choose shorter programmes. There are approximately equal numbers of men and women who have a higher education, even if a significant difference exists at the postgraduate level, where the share of women is below 20 per cent. When looking at fields of study, there are big differences between the sexes. Men and women obviously choose training for quite different sectors of society.

309. Social origin has a major impact on a person's choice of education. Especially when it comes to higher education, social background is probably the most important factor. To level out the social impact has been a political issue for a couple of decades.

310. The regional distribution of people who have a higher education is very uneven. Many big-city areas have shares well over 20 per cent compared with 4 per cent for small rural municipalities.

311. There are no big differences in the level of education between Swedes and immigrants. The differences are, however, significant between different groups of immigrants.

312. In the Higher Education Act of 1993 it is stated that equality between men and women should be observed in all aspects of higher education.

314. In order to make short-term studies more available to visiting students, an increasing number of programmes and courses taught in English at various levels are offered by universities and university colleges in Sweden. Some of these courses are available to students on an exchange basis, while others are open to visiting students in general.

315. Teachers in higher education have salaries well on the same level as civil servants employed by the State (about SKr 225,000 per year).

316. The principle of compulsory primary education free of charge for all is, and has been for a long time, fully secured in Sweden. The basic rules about compulsory primary education are laid down in the 1985 School Act (with subsequent amendments).

317. During the 1970s and 1980s, regional institutions have been developed for the various arts through a special state grant system. There is now a network of theatres, orchestras, museums, and libraries throughout the country.

318. The cultural development of the last 20 years has followed the guidelines set by the Swedish Parliament in 1974. The national cultural policy was then formulated by the setting of eight major goals:

319. An ad hoc commission, composed of 10 Members of Parliament with a chairman designated by the Government, was appointed early in 1993 to report on the main lines of the cultural policy. Its chief task is to assess the goals of 1974 in the light of later developments and to analyse future demands and challenges. The Commission will discuss a number of issues of current importance, such as the multicultural society, international influences, culture for children and youth, the decentralization of cultural facilities, and development of the media. Its report will be presented at the end of 1994.

320. Special Commissions have been appointed to report on developments in three fields: public museums, regional theatres, and international cultural cooperation.

321. Two comprehensive reports on the Swedish cultural policy were submitted to the Council of Europe in 1990:

322. The basic provisions concerning the rights of authors, artists and photographers are laid down in the Constitution. More detailed provisions about the protection of these beneficiaries will, from the middle of 1994, be contained in a single act, namely the Copyright Act of 1960 (upphovsr�ttslagen) as amended up to that time.

323. The National Committee for the Revision of the Copyright Law, referred to in Sweden's earlier reports under article 15, has concluded its work. Most of the proposals of that Committee have been incorporated in the Act, in particular through a complete revision of chapter 2 of the Act, which deals with limitations on the rights of authors and other beneficiaries. Those amendments entered into force on 1 January 1994. Other amendments to that Act are, or will be, based on directives of the Council of Ministers of the European Communities - Directives which, in compliance with the obligations of Sweden under the Agreement on the European Economic Area, are to be incorporated in the Copyright Act. Thus the directive on the legal protection of computer programmes was incorporated in the Act with effect from 1 January 1993. The legislative changes necessary for the implementation of the Directives on rental and lending etc., on satellite and cable transmissions, and on the duration of protection are under consideration in the Ministry of Justice.

324. In addition, a bill is now under consideration in the Parliament which proposes a strengthening of the sanctions for infringements of all types of intellectual property rights. As far as copyright is concerned, the main change will be that it will be possible to issue injunctions, the penalty being a fine, for acts infringing the rights of beneficiaries under the Copyright Act.

325. Since the second periodic report of the Government of Sweden no changes have taken place regarding the right to freedom of scientific inquiry. In the report it was stated that the 1977 Act on Higher Education includes general principles for the conduct of research. Researchers and scientists are free to choose their research topics and the scientific methods used. Scientific results can be published without any restrictions.

326. This applies to research financed by the Government and Parliament and carried out at universities and colleges. As there are few research institutes outside the higher education system in Sweden, the overwhelming amount of research is carried out at universities and colleges. For research and development work financed and carried out by industry different rules apply.

327. In the last couple of years, the Swedish Government and Parliament have stressed the need for universities and colleges to work more closely with business and industry in order to diffuse and make use of the results of research. For example, special research companies are being established with universities as major owners. In these companies research of direct interest to industry can be carried out in cooperation with university institutions. This is done in close cooperation with industry, but in a way which does not interfere with the basic objectives of the universities.

328. More relevant to the purpose of this report may be the increased efforts to disseminate information about scientific activity and the results of research to the general public. This is related to what is usually called public understanding of science.

329. As was stated in the earlier report, universities and colleges as well as other actors in the research system, for example, research councils, have an obligation to disseminate information about their activities. The Government and Parliament have made special allocations to universities and colleges to this end. The Council for Planning and Coordination of Research has also a special responsibility to promote public understanding of science through various activities: publications, debates and projects involving museums, schools, teachers and the media.

330. Very recently, the Swedish Government has decided to establish a special task force on science information. This group will be in charge of intensifying efforts in this area to evaluate what is already being done and to find creative means to reach out to the general public.

331. As an example of the Government's increased efforts in the area of science information, an exhibition of Swedish research will be shown in three Swedish cities in the summer of 1994. Other activities will be arranged in connection with the exhibition, such as public debates and lectures, theatre, and music events.

332. International cooperation in higher education and research is a high priority in the Swedish Government's policies. In the last couple of years a number of initiatives have been taken to foster contacts between Swedish universities and colleges and their counterparts abroad. The closer relationship between Sweden and the European Union has been the most important feature in the internationalization of Swedish higher education and research. Fellowships enabling an exchange of researchers between Sweden and other countries have increased in number. Special allocations have been made to enable Swedish universities to conclude agreements on the exchange of research students and professors with centres of excellence in other countries. In the bill on higher education and research, presented to Parliament in March 1994, proposals to establish Swedish university centres abroad and to strengthen Swedish cultural institutes in other countries were put forward.

Annex III The Swedish Work Environment Act and The Swedish Work Environment Ordinance

Report of the International Conference on Development Cooperation for Human Rights and Democracy, Stockholm 22-24 February 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 111 (the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention), 1 July 1984 - 30 June 1994;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 122 (the Employment Policy Convention), 1 July 1984 - 30 June 1992;

The Labour Market and Labour Market Policy in Sweden, Ministry of Labour, Research Secretariat, July 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 88 (the Employment Service Convention), 1 July 1985 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 29 (the Forced Labour Convention), 1 July 1985 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 142 (the Human Resources Development Convention), 1 July 1983 - 30 June 1991;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 158 (the Termination of Employment Convention), 23 November 1985 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 100 (the Equal Remuneration Convention), 1 July 1983 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 14 (the Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention), 1 July 1982 - 30 June 1990;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 132 (the Holidays with Pay Convention), 1 July 1982 - 30 June 1990;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 81 (the Labour Inspection (Industry and Commerce) Convention), 1 July 1983 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 129 (the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1 July 1983 - 30 June 1991;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 155 (the Occupational Safety and Health Convention), 11 August 1983 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 139 (the Occupational Cancer Convention), 1 July 1983 - 30 June 1991;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 148 (the Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention), 1 July 1983 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 156 (the Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention), 1 July 1989 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 47 (the Forty-Hour Week Convention), 1 July 1982 - 30 June 1992;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 87 (the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention), 1 July 1984 - 30 June 1992;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 98 (the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention), 1 July 1984 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 151 (the Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention), 1 July 1985 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 154 (the Collective Bargaining Convention), 11 August 1983 - 30 June 1993;

Data on trade unions and their membership from Statistics Sweden, 31 December 1992;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 102 (the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention), 1 July 1984 - 30 June 1992;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 121 (the Employment Injury Benefits Convention), 1 July 1981 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 128 (the Invalidity, Old-Age and Survivors' Benefits Convention), 1 July 1984 - 30 June 1992;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 130 (the Medical Care and Sickness Benefits Convention), 1 July 1982 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 168 (the Employment Promotion and Protection against Unemployment Convention), First report for the period ending 30 June 1992;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 138 (the Minimum Age Convention), First report for the period ending 30 June 1992;1987 -

Reports under ILO Convention No. 161 (the Occupational Health Services Convention), 1 July 1986 - 30 June 1993;

Reports under ILO Convention No. 162 (the Asbestos Convention), 2 September 30 June 1993.

�1996-2001
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Geneva, Switzerland