Sweden
EU Directives have been transposed into national legislation, and the new Anti-discrimination Act. Several complaints are brought to the Equality Ombudsman and to the local Anti-discrimination agencies. Although non-profit organisations have the legal standing to litigate discrimination cases, they often lack the resources to actually take discrimnation cases to court. The Equality Ombudsman has been effective in reaching settlements by claiming compensation using the new law. Discrimination is reported regarding employment, housing, education, access to health, and other areas of society. Roma are particulary discriminated against in housing while migrants are particulary discriminated against in employment.
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Anti-discrimination Legislation & Implementation
Sweden adopted a new Anti-Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567) which came into force on 1 January 2009 and merged the anti-discrimination legislation into one law and extended the scope of protection. The different Ombudsmen were merged into a single institution. Regarding human rights, Sweden is still in the process of establishing an accreditated National Institution for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
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Is racial discrimination defined in national law?
Yes, except that the concept of ethnicity is used instead of race.
Qualitative Info
The concept of ethnicity in the Discrimination Act (2008:567) is defined as “national or ethnic origin, skin colour or similar circumstance” (Ch. 1 Sec. 5 p. 3). The definitions of racial, ethnic origin or religion are in conformity with the Race Directive except that the concept of ethnicity is used instead of race.
Source: Discrimination Act (2008:567) , http://www.do.se/Documents/pdf/new_discrimination_law.pdf (accessed 03.03.2012).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Ethnic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Afrophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.do.se/Documents/pdf/new_discrimination_law.pdf
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Is there a definition of discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin and/or religion in national law in conformity with the EU Directives?
Yes, in the Discrimination Act (2008:567) the definitions of racial, ethnic origin or religion are in conformity with the Race Directive except that the concept of ethnicity is used instead of race.
Qualitative Info
In the Discrimination Act (2008:567) the grounds of discrimination covered are: national or ethnic origin, skin colour or other similar circumstance. Below are the definitions of discrimination found in Section 4 of the Discrimination Act (2008:567) that corresponds to Art. 2 of the Race Directive.
1. Direct discrimination occures where a person is treated less favourably thansomeone else is treated, has been treated or would have been treated in a comparablesituation, if this treatment is associated, inter alia, with that person's ethnicity or religion.2. Indirect discrimination occurs where someone is treated less favourably by the application of a provision, acriterion or a procedure that appears neutral but that may put people of, inter alia, a certain ethnicity or a certain religion at a particular disadvantage, unless the provision, criterion or procedure has a legitimate purpose and the means that areused are appropriate and necessary to achieve that purpose.3. Harassment: conduct that violates a person’s dignity and that is associated with one of theprotected grounds of discrimination (which include ethnicity and religion).Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
Type (R/D)
- Afrophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
- Housing
- Health and social protection
- Education
- Culture
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
- Daily life
- Religion
External Url http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/11/81/87/f6e1a2b8.pdf
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Does the national law cover all grounds of discrimination as in the International Conventions and EU law or additional discrimination grounds?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
Directive 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC are now implemented mainly by the new Discrimination Act. To a large extent, Swedish law is in conformity with the Directives and, especially as regards disability, religion and other belief as well as sexual orientation, domestic law goes beyond the requirements of the Directives.
The government is of the opinion that protection against discrimination, in principle, should be as harmonised as possible regardless of the protected group. This harmonisation means that Sweden in several ways goes beyond the requirements of the directives.
The Discrimination Act (Swedish Code of Statutes 2008:567), covers:
– sex
– transgender identity or expression
– ethnic origin
– religion or other belief
– disability
– sexual orientation
– ageSweden has not ratified Protocol 12 to the ECHR which covers nationality.
Source:The Swedish government, http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/11/80/10/4bb17aff.pdf (accessed 2011-12-20)
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Extremism - organised Racist Violence
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Nationalism
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.do.se/Documents/pdf/new_discrimination_law.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Does nationality, citizenship serve as a ground for discrimination in access to public goods and services, employment and/or deprivation of economic and social rights?
Yes, but there are no explicit references to nationality or residence made in the Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567).
Qualitative Info
In the Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567) ethnicity and nationality need not refer to a specific origin. Discrimination of refugees, foreigners, immigrants are defined by being “non- Swedish” and discrimination against them is regarded as ethnic discrimination. Ethnicity is an umbrella term that is defined in the Discrimination Act, Chapter 1, section 5 as: "national or ethnic origin, skin colour or other similar circumstance." There are no explicit definitions or references to nationality or residence made in the Discrimination Act. Furthermore, the Discrimination Act covers a number of areas, such as the application of social security regulations, where at least residence requirements are plenty. There are no exceptions in anti-discrimination law that seek to rely on Article 3(2).
There are however, exceptions relating to difference of treatment based on nationality in other national law. According to Chapter 11 Sec. 11. of the Instrument of Government Swedish citizenship is required for judges, Chapter 6 Sec. 9 says that government ministers must have Swedish Citizenship, the Chancellor of Justice, the Parliamentary Ombudsman and the three Auditors General are the other examples when Swedish Nationality is required by the Instrument of Government (Government bill 2009/10:80 p. 333). Positions were the person is elected by the Parliament requires Swedish citizenship according to the Riksdag Act (1974:153) Ch. 7 Sec. 11 ( SOU 2000:106, Medborgarskapskrav i svensk lagstiftning).
In ECRI's Third Report on Sweden, 14 Juni 2005, ECRI draws the attention of the Swedish authorities to its General Policy Recommendation No. 75. In particular, ECRI stresses that, according to this General Policy Recommendation, the constitution “should enshrine the principle of equal treatment, the commitment of the State to promote equality as well as the right of individuals to be free from discrimination on grounds such as race, colour, language, religion, nationality and national or ethnic origin”, and “may provide that exceptions to the principle of equal treatment may be established by law, provided that they do not constitute discrimination”.
SOU 2000:106, Medborgarskapskrav i svensk lagstiftning), http://http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c4/23/16/d168d2a7.pdf (accessed 03.03.2012).
Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567), http://www.do.se/Documents/pdf/new_discrimination_law.pdf (accessed 03.03.2012).
ECRI's Third Report on Sweden, 14 Juni 2005, http://www.manskligarattigheter.gov.se/dynamaster/file_archive/050614/f7619fe059c91a5e9cef8d8ab533e1ba/3rapportsweden.pdf (accessed 03.03.2012).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c4/23/16/d168d2a7.pdf
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Does statelessness serve as a ground for discrimination in access to public goods and services and/or deprivation of economic and social rights?
No.
Qualitative Info
In the Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567), statelessness is not mentioned as a protected ground of discrimination. In practice, discrimination on the ground of statelessness would be considered as discrimination on the ground of ethnicity. According to the Legal Network's Report on measures to combat discrimination, Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, Country Report 2010, Sweden, Per Norberg, " a stateless person will always have an ethnic origin" (p. 77).
Source:
Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567), http://www.do.se/Documents/pdf/new_discrimination_law.pdf
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.do.se/Documents/pdf/new_discrimination_law.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin and/or religion is prohibited in all the areas provided for by the EU Directives?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
Directive 2000/43/EC is now implemented mainly by the new Discrimination Act. The Discrimination Act (2008:567) contains prohibitions of discrimination that apply to:
- Working life, Sections 1-4. 2.
- Education, Sections 5-8. 3.
- Labour market policy activities and employment services not under public contract, Section 9. 4.
- Starting or running a business and professional recognition, Section 10. 5.
- Membership of certain organisations, Section 11. 6.
- Goods services housing and meetings or public events, Section 12. 7.
- Health and medical care and social services, Section 13. 8.
- Social insurance system, unemployment insurance and financial aid for studies, Section 14. 9.
- National military service and civilian service, Sections 15-16. 10.
- Public employment, Section 17.
Source:
The Discrimination Act (2008:567), http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/11/81/87/f6e1a2b8.pdf (accessed 2012-03-10).
Per Norberg, Report on measures to combat discrimination, Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, Country Report 2010, Sweden, http://www.non-discrimination.net/content/media/2010-SE-Country%20Report%20LN_final.pdf (p. 11) (Accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.non-discrimination.net/content/media/2010-SE-Country%20Report%20LN_final.pdf
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Are there specialised bodies/agencies/mechanisms which receive, handle/investigate complaints in discrimination cases?
Yes. The Equality Ombudsman receives, handles and investigates complaints of discrimination.
Qualitative Info
In conjunction with the adoption of the new Anti-discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567), which came into force 1 January 2009, a new agency was established by merging the four previous anti-discrimination ombudsmen: the Equality Ombudsman (DO). The Equality Ombudsman is mandated to supervise compliance with the Anti-discrimination Act, to combat discrimination and promote equal rights and opportunities for everyone. A central task for DO is to investigate complaints of discrimination. This may include representing the victim of discrimination in settlement proceedings or, ultimately, in a court of law. The Ombudsman can also, for example, make independent surveys, reports and recommendations. The purpose of having a single Ombudsman on anti-discrimination issues is that it will ensure a more effective and powerful monitoring of compliance with the Act. This merger is also expected to improve the conditions for dealing with cases of multiple discrimination. The Equality Ombudsman can apply to the new Board against Discrimination for a financial penalty to be ordered against employers and education providers that do not fulfil their obligation to take active measures.
Source: The Equality Ombudsman, http://www.do.se
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
- Housing
- Health and social protection
- Education
- Culture
- Media
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
- Daily life
- Religion
External Url http://www.do.se
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Are there mechanisms in place to collect data on racial discrimination in line with data protection legislation as an effective means of, monitoring and reviewing policies and practices to combat racial discrimination and promote racial equality?
Yes, but as a main rule according to the Swedish Personal Data Act (1998:204), it is prohibited to process personal data that discloses race or ethnic origin.
Qualitative Info
The gathering of data on ethnic origin is still a controversial issue in Sweden. As a main rule according to the Swedish Personal Data Act (1998:204), it is prohibited to process personal data that discloses race or ethnic origin. No official statistics of people’s ethnic origins other than citizenship and country of birth are available. Statistics Sweden (SCB) gathers data on Country of birth, citizenship, foreign and Swedish background according to age and gender. These divisions make it difficult to gather data about the differences between different ethnic groups in Sweden.
In the recent report from the CERD (21 August 2008) concern was raised about Sweden's position regarding the collection of data on the ethnic composition of the population. The Committee reiterates its concern about the paucity of such data at its disposal for the monitoring of the Convention and regrets the lack of information on the criteria used for collecting data concerning the situation of migrants.
Sources: The Swedish Personal Data Act (1998:204) http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/standardsetting/dataprotection/national%20laws/SWEDEN_PDAct.pdf (Accessed 2012-03-10)
CERD, CERD/C/SWE/CO/18, 21 August 2008, http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cerd/docs/co/CERD-C-SWE-CO-18.pdf (Accessed 2012-03-10)
Statistics Sweden (SCB), http://www.scb.se/ (Accessed 2012-03-10)
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Intra-ethnic
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
- Integration - social cohesion
- Daily life
- Religion
External Url http://www.scb.se/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Does legislation provide for the possibility of adopting special/positive measures prevent or compensate for disadvantages linked to racial or ethnic origin in order to ensure full equality in practice?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In the new Discrimination Act (2008:567) ethnicity and religion have an exemption from the prohibition of discrimination regarding labour market policy activities and for the people’s universities (Ch. 2 Sec. 6 and 9). A right for members of certain religions to refuse military service is also explicitly exempted (Ch. 2 Sec. 15). The Discrimination Act also contains rules on “active measures”. From an EC-law perspective such measures are within the realm of positive action in a more general meaning. The Act requires that the employers carry out a goal-oriented work to actively promote ethnic diversity in working life.The exception to the obligation to draw up such plans applies to employers who have fewer than 25 employees at the end of the last calendar year. In the area of education, there is an option to impose sanctions against education providers that do not fulfil their obligation to take active measures. Education providers can be ordered to fulfil these obligations or risk having to pay a fine.
Source: Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567) http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/11/81/87/f6e1a2b8.pdf (accessed 03.03.2012).
Report on measures to combat discrimination, Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, Country Report 2010, Sweden, Per Norberg, European network of legal experts in the non-discrimination field, http://www.non-discrimination.net/content/media/2010-SE-Country%20Report%20LN_final.pdf (accessed 03.03.2012).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Policing - law enforcement
- Employment - labour market
- Housing
- Health and social protection
- Education
- Culture
- Political discourse -parties - orgs
- Political participation
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
- Daily life
- Religion
External Url http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/11/81/87/f6e1a2b8.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Are special/positive measures for securing advancement and protection of certain racial or ethnic groups widely adopted and implemented?
Yes, according to the Anti-discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567) but they are not adequtely implemented. This was criticised by the CERD Committee, in August 2008.
Qualitative Info
Chapter three in the Discrimination Act, contains rules on the requirement of employers and education providers to actively promote equality, so called active measures. These rules do not require positive action if it is defined as eliminating or reducing a certain barrier for a certain protected group or to compensate that group for its disadvantaged position, Country Report 2010, Sweden, Per Norberg, http://www.non-discrimination.net/content/media/2010-SE-Country%20Report%20LN_final.pdf, p. 9).
However, the rules containing "active measures" can from an EC-law perspectivebe considered to be within the realm of positive action in a more general meaning. The Act requires that the employers carry out a goal-oriented work to actively promote ethnic diversity in working life (Chapter 3 Section 3 of the Discrimination Act).
Ethnicity and religion have an exemption from the prohibition of discrimination regarding labour market policy activities and for the people’s universities (Ch. 2 Sec. 6 and 9). A right for members of certain religions to refuse military service is also explicitly exempted (Ch. 2 Sec. 15).
In education strong forms of positive action is allowed only at the people’s universities, a form of education designed to admit students that have little or no academic background. People’s universities are free to design their own courses and programs. They are not bound by the normal educational hierarchy. The universities are required to do goal-orientated work with regard to ethnicity. There is a requirement on the universities to adopt plans to this end on a yearly basis (Ch 3. Sec. 16.).There is a Roma People’s University and other people’s universities can (and sometimes do) give courses aimed at and reserved for the Romany population. Creating educational programs reserved for special groups like immigrants, persons with disabilities or women is considered normal in this form of education (Country Report 2010, Sweden, Per Norberg, http://www.non-discrimination.net/content/media/2010-SE-Country%20Report%20LN_final.pdf, p. 87).
As regards indigenous minorities such as the Sami and the Roma, there are special rights and supportive measures as regard the use of their native language as well as access to media and as regards the Sami also on land rights and reindeer management. From 2011 the Sami people have their reindeer management rights recognised in the constitution.
The CERD Committee raised concern in it's concluding observations in August 2008, that the Committee is concerned that the new Anti-Discrimination Act of July 2008 does not provide for the adoption of special measures regarding vulnerable racial or ethnic groups, with the exception of certain measures related to immigrant employment agencies. It recalls that special measures for the advancement of certain groups are required when circumstances so warrant, provided that such measures do not, as a consequence, lead to the maintenance of separate rights for different racial groups. (arts. 1(4), and 2(2)).
Source: The CERD Committee, CERD/C/SWE/CO/18, 21 August 2008 http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cerd/docs/co/CERD-C-SWE-CO-18.pdf (accessed 2012-03-10).
Country Report 2010, Sweden, Per Norberg, http://www.non-discrimination.net/content/media/2010-SE-Country%20Report%20LN_final.pdf (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Intra-ethnic
- Nationalism
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Policing - law enforcement
- Employment - labour market
- Housing
- Health and social protection
- Education
- Culture
- Media
- Political discourse -parties - orgs
- Political participation
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
- Integration - social cohesion
- Daily life
- Religion
External Url http://www.non-discrimination.net/content/media/2010-SE-Country%20Report%20LN_final.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is the State or are state representatives reported to engage in discriminatory acts or practices by independent authoritative sources?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
According to independent authoritative sources (e.g. ECRI, ECtHR, etc.) the police has been reported to engage in discriminatory acts and practices.
The Equality Ombudsman has settled and taken several cases to court where municipalities, county councils as employers have been engaged in discriminatory acts and practices.
Source:
The Equality Ombudsman, http://www.do.se
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
External Url http://www.do.se
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is legal support for victims available from public agencies/bodies? Is there access for victims to assistance and justice?
The Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority (Brottsoffermyndigheten) offers financial support to victims.
Qualitative Info
The Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority (Brottsoffermyndigheten) was founded in 1994. It is a governmental authority charged to act for the needs and interests of crime victims. It is an autonomous body serving under the Ministry of Justice. Its main duties are administration and payment of state compensation but in its role as Expertise Centre for crime victims it also deals with information on crime victims and the spreading of knowledge in matters related to crime victims. As administrator of the Fund for Victims of Crime instituted through the Fund for Victims of Crime Act (1994:419), it also distributes money for the benefit of crime victims.
As a rule, victims of serious crimes are entitled to free counseling and support services in connection with the preliminary investigation and trial. A person who has been awarded damages receives a written offer from the enforcement services to assist with collection of the debt. If the perpetrator is not able to pay, or if a perpetrator has not been found, and there is no insurance that can cover all the damages, the victim of crime may receive compensation from the state known as criminal injuries compensation. This compensation is intended primarily for personal injury and violation.
Source: The Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority (Brottsoffermyndigheten) http://www.brottsoffermyndigheten.se/
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
- Internet
- Integration - social cohesion
- Daily life
- Religion
External Url http://www.brottsoffermyndigheten.se/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Does the law foresee the shift of the burden of proof in civil / administrative procedures? Are there problems of implementation reported by independent authoritative sources?
Yes
Qualitative Info
A shift of the burden of proof is required in Ch. 6 sec. 3 of the Discrimination Act. The relevant section reads: “If a person....demonstrates reason to presume that he or she has been discriminated against... the defendant is required to show that discrimination or reprisals have not occurred.”
The victim of discrimination must present facts that make it possible to presume that discrimination has occurred (a similar situation and unfavourable treatment). Thereafter the burden of proof is shifted to the accused who must show that one of the requirements is not fulfilled or that the unfavourable treatment was not associated with the ground in question. No intent to discriminate is required (Per Norberg, Report on measures to combat discrimination, Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, Country Report 2010, Sweden).
The Supreme Court treats less favourable treatment in a similar situation as the fact that makes the presumption apply. The burden of proof is thus sometimes reversed when the victim proves a similar situation and a less favourable treatment. The Labour Court applies the presumption more narrowly. The plaintiff must always prove the similar situation and the less favourable treatment according to normal standards of proof. The presumption applies only to the causal link between these two facts and the ground of discrimination. If that is so, the Labour Court may apply the rules on shared burden of proof in a very restricted way, especially with regard to ethnicity (Per Norberg, Report on measures to combat discrimination, Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, Country Report 2010, Sweden).
Source:
The Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567), http://www.do.se/Documents/pdf/new_discrimination_law.pdf (accessed 03.03.2012).
Sandesjö 2010 (Jurcom AB), Domar i diskrimineringsmål 1999-2009, p.11.
Per Norberg, Report on measures to combat discrimination, Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, Country Report 2010, Sweden.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.do.se/Documents/pdf/new_discrimination_law.pdf
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Can associations, organisations or other legal entities, who have a legitimate interest, engage, either on behalf or in support of the complainant, with his or her approval, in any judicial and/or administrative procedure concerning discrimination?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In the Antidiscrimination Act (2008:567), non-profit organisations have the legal standing to litigate discrimination cases. The preconditions for this right are stipulated in Chapter 6 Section 2 of the Discrimination Act, which states that non-profit organisations whose statutes include the right to protect the interests of its members and the right to bring actions in their own name as a party to the litigation can represent victims in Court. The association must have the consent of the individual and be suited to represent the individual in the case, taking account of its activities and its interest in the matter, its financial ability to bring an action and other circumstances. Their right to so represent a victim is secondary to that of a trade union in the employment field.
Trade unions have legal standing to litigate discrimination cases where one of their members is involved. Under Chapter 4, Section 5 of the Labour Disputes (Judicial Procedure) Act (1974:371), the Ombudsman or an association may only bring an action if the trade union does not do so.
Several Anti-discrimination bureaus and NGO’s have welcomed this opportunity as strengthening the role of NGO’s to fully be an independent actor in discrimination cases. The Anti-discrimination bureau, Örebro Rättighetscenter [Örebro Rights Center] made use of this right by filing their first law suit in a discrimination case to court. The case concerned a Roma woman who was forced to pay for gasoline in advance as well as having her rights violated through insulting remarks about her ethnicity. Örebro Rights Center filed a lawsuit against the petrol station for discrimination and demanded 20 000 SEK (2000 Euros) in compensation to the woman. The Göta Court of Appeal ruled in October 2011, that the petrol station exposed the woman to direct discrimination associated with the woman's ethnicity. The gas station was imposed to pay 5000 kronas (555 euros) in discrimination compensation to the woman.
Source:
The Antidiscrimination Act (2008:567), http://www.do.se/Documents/pdf/new_discrimination_law.pdf (accessed 04.03.2012)
Örebro Rights Center, 03.10.2010, http://www.adbsverige.se/ (accessed 04.03.2012)
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Extremism - organised Racist Violence
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Intra-ethnic
- Nationalism
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
External Url http://www.do.se/Documents/pdf/new_discrimination_law.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is class action or actio popularis possible? (court claims or action in the name of a group)
Yes, class action is possible according to the Group Proceedings Act entered into force on January 1, 2003.
There is no possibility for actio popularis in the Swedish national law allowing associations to act in the public interest on their own behalf, without a specific victim to support or represent.
Qualitative Info
In the Antidiscrimination Act (2008:567), non-profit organisations have the legal standing to litigate discrimination cases. The preconditions for this right are stipulated in Chapter 6 Section 2 of the Discrimination Act, which states that non-profit organisations whose statutes include the right to protect the interests of its members and the right to bring actions in their own name as a party to the litigation can represent victims in Court. The association must have the consent of the individual and be suited to represent the individual in the case, taking account of its activities and its interest in the matter, its financial ability to bring an action and other circumstances. Their right to so represent a victim is secondary to that of a trade union in the employment field.
Antidiscrimination Act (2008:567), http://www.notisum.se/rnp/sls/fakta/a0080567.htm (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
External Url http://www.notisum.se/rnp/sls/fakta/a0080567.htm
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Are sanctions foreseen/provided by anti-discrimination legislation?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
A new penalty, compensation for discrimination, is to be introduced for infringements of the Discrimination Act. The aim is to avoid a link to the Tort Liability Act and thereby create better conditions for higher levels of compensation for victims of discrimination. Compensation for discrimination is designed to both compensate for the violation represented by an infringement and act as a deterrent against discrimination.
A natural or legal person who does not fulfil his or her obligations concerning active measures under Chapter 3, Discrimination Act (SFS 2008:567) may be ordered to fulfil them subject to a financial penalty. Such orders are issued by the Board against Discrimination on application from the Equality Ombudsman. They can also be directed towards the State as an employer or as the entity responsible for educational activities.
Source:
FACT SHEET, Ministry of Integration and Gender Equality, 01.01.2009, http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/11/80/18/884944c1.pdf
Discrimination Act (2008:567) http://www.manskligarattigheter.gov.se/dynamaster/file_archive/090717/938e32b31f6d4029833f80fa1c7486c3/discrimination%20act.pdf
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Intra-ethnic
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
- Housing
- Health and social protection
- Education
- Culture
- Media
- Internet
- Sport
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
- Daily life
- Religion
-
Is there provision within anti-discrimination legislation/practice forfinancial compensation/restitution of rights and are these applied in practice?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In the new discrimination Act from 1 january 2009 (2008:567), a new penalty, compensation for discrimination, was introduced for infringements of the Discrimination Act. The aim is to avoid a link to the Tort Liability Act and thereby create better conditions for higher levels of compensation for victims of discrimination. Compensation for discrimination is designed to both compensate for the violation represented by an infringement and act as a deterrent against discrimination. The Equality Ombudsman has been effective in using the new discrimination compensation. This new potentially innovative tool, replaces the concept of damages, since damages tended to be substantially low. Therefore, the new concept of compensation has been imposed as a sanction to raise both compensations and settlement payments to real deterrent levels. The Eqaulity Ombudsman reported in its annual report 2010 that the new sanctions have been effective in terms of increased claims in the authority's lawsuits and higher remuneration in the settlements. The highest compensation during 2010 has been 200 000 SEK (20 000 euros). This can be compared to 100 000 SEK (10.000 euros) in the previous damage sanctions.
A woman was refused the opportunity to rent an apartment because her husband was a Roma. The Equality Ombudsman and the landlord reached an agreement whereby the woman received 40 000 SEK (4,000 euros) in compensation. The woman was at the showing of an apartment with a management company in Finspång and signed a contract the next day. The neighbours threatened to move claiming that they previously had problems with Roma in the area. The Equality Ombudsman (DO) investigated the case and determined that the woman was the victim of ethnic discrimination.
Ärende OMED 551/ 2008 (2010.09.01), http://www.do.se/sv/Press/Pressmeddelanden/Kvinna-nekades-hyreskontrakt--far-40-000-kronor-efter-forlikning/
The Equality Ombudsman, http://www.do.se
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Majority
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Inter-ethnic
- Nationalism
- Homophobia
- On grounds of disability
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Policing - law enforcement
- Employment - labour market
- Housing
- Health and social protection
- Education
- Culture
- Media
- Internet
- Sport
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
- Daily life
- Religion
External Url http://www.do.se/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Are there any problems concerning the implementation of national legislation prohibiting discrimination?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In the Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), 18 August 2008, the Committee was concerned that the new Anti-Discrimination Act of July 2008 does not provide for the adoption of special measures regarding vulnerable racial or ethnic groups, with the exception of certain measures related to immigrant employment agencies. It recalls that special measures for the advancement of certain groups are required when circumstances so warrant, provided that such measures do not, as a consequence, lead to the maintenance of separate rights for different racial groups. (arts. 1(4), and 2(2)).
Furthermore, the CERD Committee remained concerned about the absence of any explicit criminal law provisions declaring illegal and prohibiting organizations promoting and inciting racial hatred. (art.4). The Committee was also concerned about discrimination in the judicial and law enforcement systems against persons of non-Swedish background. The Committee is particularly concerned about allegations of racial prejudice among judicial personnel and about the lack of legal interpreters. (arts. 5(a) and 6).
The CERD Committee also raised concern about discrimination against persons of foreign origin persists in a number of areas. It is particularly concerned about the lower employment rate among persons of immigrant origin, especially women.
Source:Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), 18 August 2008. http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher,CERD,CONCOBSCOMMENTS,SWE,,0.html
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Extremism - organised Racist Violence
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
- Intra-ethnic
- On grounds of other belief
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
- Housing
- Health and social protection
- Education
- Culture
- Media
- Internet
- Political discourse -parties - orgs
- Political participation
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
- Integration - social cohesion
- Daily life
- Religion
External Url http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher,CERD,CONCOBSCOMMENTS,SWE,,0.html
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Has there been a thorough evaluation/assessment of the effectiveness of the national implementation of EU Anti-discrimination Directives?
No. There has not been a thorough evaluation/assessment of the effectiveness of the national implementation of EU Anti-discrimination Directives in Sweden.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
External Url www.do.se
See other countriesSee indicator history
-
Is racial discrimination defined in national law?
-
Policing - Law Enforcement - Justice
Migrants and national minorities face disproportionate problems in accessing justice. Evidence show that discrimination is a serious issues within the Swedish legal system. Victims of migrant backgorund are less likely to access justice in court compared with victims with a Swedish background. There are also indications of ethnic profiling in Sweden. Swedish police officers use this method when conducting controls of foreigners and when conducting other kinds of controls. The persons in Sweden that are most commonly victims of ethnic profiling are persons originating from countries outside Europe. Several incidents of ethnic profiling within the police force surfaced during December 2008 in various media.
-
Is there evidence or indication that the police force engages in ethnic profiling?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
Ethnic profiling as a police method has not been discussed much in Sweden. It is only recently that some researchers have started to analyse ethnic profiling from a Swedish perspective. In a report from 2006, Sophie Hydén[1] concludes that ethnic profiling in Sweden is used mostly informally by the police, compared to in the United States where ethnic profiling has been used as an official method. Moreover, Swedish police officers use this method when conducting controls of foreigners and when conducting other kinds of controls. The persons in Sweden that are most commonly victims of ethnic profiling are persons originating from countries outside Europe.
Although the term ethnic profiling is not discussed much, there are indications of ethnic profiling in Sweden. An example is when several incidents of ethnic profiling within the police force surfaced during December 2008 in various media. The first incident revealed was when the racist comments were caught on a surveillance video the police used during the riots in Rosengård in December 2008. The police was filmed using racist language calling immigrant youth "damn little apes” during the riots. Later it was also revealed that fictitious names such as “Negro Niggersson” and “Oskar Negro” were used by the police force in Skåne [Southern Sweden] in an internal education during the spring of 2008 (http://www.expressen.se/kvp/niggersson-anvands-som-laroexempel/ ). These incidents caused outrage among NGOs, politicians, and the public. The police men were reported to the Ombudsman against Ethnic discrimination and to the Justitieombudsmannnen [Parliamentary Ombudsman] one of the organizations that submitted a complaint against the police force in Skåne was the organisation Jämlikhet för Afrosvenskar [Afro-Swedish for equality]. According to the organization the incident shows the extension of the racist culture within the police force towards Afro-Swedes in particular and other minority groups.
[1] Hydén, Sophie, ‘Diskriminering på köpet - etnisk profilering i polisarbete’, in Fransson, Ola, and Fryklund, Björn (eds.), Migration och professioner i förändring (Malmö: Malmö Högskola, 2006).
Kvällsposten, "Niggersson används som läromedel", http://www.expressen.se/kvp/niggersson-anvands-som-laroexempel/ (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Policing - law enforcement
External Url http://www.expressen.se/kvp/niggersson-anvands-som-laroexempel/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence of significant disparities between the number of racist incidents and crimes reported and the numbers of racist incidents and crimes recorded by police authorities?
Yes. There is evidence of significant disparities between the number of racist incidents and crimes reported and the numbers of racist incidents and crimes recorded by police authorities.
Qualitative Info
The disparities identified, mostly affect Africans/black people who are subjected to afrophobia, the Roma community that face romafobia and other racist motivated hate crimes. Others that are also affected are Muslims and Jews.
Brottsförebygganderådet, http://www.bra.se
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
External Url http://www.bra.se
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence that areas containing significant numbers migrants and minorities are policed in different ways than others?
Yes. There is evidence that areas containing significant numbers migrants and minorities are policed in different ways than others.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Anti-semitism
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Policing - law enforcement
-
Do migrants/minorities face disproportionate problems in accessing justice?
Yes
Qualitative Info
In February 2008 Brå [The Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention] presented a report 2008:4 Diskriminering i rättsprocessen; om missgynnande av personer med utländsk bakgrund (Discrimination in the legal process). The report shows that migrants face disproportionate problems in accessing legal justice. The report concludes that discrimination and the perception of discrimination are serious issues within the Swedish legal system. Overall, the findings of the report show that victims of migrant backgorund are less likely to access justice in court compared with victims of with a Swedish background.
The report is based on current research, analyses of complaints to the Ombudsman against ethnic discrimination and interviews with key categories of persons within the legal system. The report is part of the assignment given to the Council by the Government in April 2006 to examine the incidence of discrimination in the judicial process against defendants and plaintiffs with a foreign background. The report proposes various initiatives which are needed to promote non-discrimination within the judicial system.
Source: The Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention, Report 2008:4, Diskriminering i rättsprocessen; om missgynnande av personer med utländsk bakgrund , http://217.151.193.70/download/18.cba82f7130f475a2f180007887/2008_4_diskriminering_i_rattsprocessen.pdf
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Policing - law enforcement
External Url http://217.151.193.70/download/18.cba82f7130f475a2f180007887/2008_4_diskriminering_i_rattsprocessen.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence of differential sentencing?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
A Government report was published during 2006 concerning police and discrimination. This report was published by the Government inquiry on Power, Integration and Structural Discrimination and was titled ‘Is justice fair? - Ten perspectives on discrimination of ethnic and religious minorities within the justice system’ (Är rättvisan rättvis? Tio perspektiv på diskriminering av etniska och religiösa minoriteter inom rättssystemet). The aim of this report was to examine structural discrimination in the judicial system. The report shows evidence of differential sentencing, failure of courts to provide effective protection for migrants and that structural discrimination exists throughout the Swedish justice system; from the first contact with the police to the final court judgement.
Regarding police investigations, the report showed that most investigations are rarely closed for people of Swedish and Nordic background (between 35 and 37 percent of cases), while investigations usually are closed concerning people born in Africa and the Middle Middle East including Turkey (between 50 and 52 percent of cases) (Johan Kardell, Diskriminering i rättsväsendet av personer med utländsk bakgrund – en kvantitativ analys), http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/05/99/25/b5f0640b.pdf (accessed 2012-03-10).
The results from the report show that regarding court judgments, people with non-European backgrounds are at almost three times more likely than persons of Swedish background to be sentenced to imprisonment for serious sexual offenses, assault and aggravated assault (Pettersson, Tove; Särbehandlas gärningspersoner med utländsk bakgrund vid anmälningar om våldtäkter, grov misshandel och eget bruk av narkotika?), http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/05/99/25/b5f0640b.pdf (accessed 2012-03-10).
Source: Power, Integration and Structural Discrimination and was titled ‘Is justice fair? - Ten perspectives on discrimination of ethnic and religious minorities within the justice system’ (Är rättvisan rättvis? Tio perspektiv på diskriminering av etniska och religiösa minoriteter inom rättssystemet). SOU 2006:30, http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/05/99/25/b5f0640b.pdf (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Policing - law enforcement
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
External Url http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/05/99/25/b5f0640b.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history
-
Is there evidence or indication that the police force engages in ethnic profiling?
-
Employment
In 2011, the number of employed immigrants was 67,1 % compared to 71,9% of the general population. The rate is particularly low among immigrant women, for whom the employment rate is 56.5% and has decreased since 2010. The UN Committee which monitors the Convention on the Elimination of Race Discrimination (CERD), in its most recent recommendations on Sweden’s compliance with CERD (2008) stated that Committee is concerned that the new Anti-Discrimination Act of July 2008 does not provide for the adoption of special measures regarding vulnerable racial or ethnic groups, with the exception of certain measures related to immigrant employment agencies.
-
Differential unemployment levels/rates of migrants?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
Sweden again ranks high in unemployment of the foreign-born relative to the native- born. Statistics from Statistical centralbyrån (SCB) shows that during the first quarter of 2011 there was an increase of the total number of foreign-born people in the workforce by 42,977 people compared to the first quarter of 2010. In 2011, the number of employed immigrants was 67,1 % compared with 71,9% of the general population. The rate is particularly low among immigrant women, for whom the employment rate is 56.5% and has decreased since 2010. In metropolitan areas where many newly arrived immigrants have settled, the proportion of employed was 58 percent for foreign-born workers and 82 percent among those born in Sweden in 2008. Six out of 10 foreign-born workers live in metropolitan areas and a large proportion of them come from outside Europe.
Most foreign-born work within the service sector, such as elderly care, cleaning, taxi, restuarants.
Statistics Sweden (Statistiska centralbyrån, SCB), http://www.scb.se/Pages/PressRelease____295526.aspxGroups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Africans/black people
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
External Url http://www.scb.se/Pages/PressRelease____295526.aspx
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Differential unemployment levels/rates of minorities?
Yes, but there is no data that shows the differential unemployment levels/rates of minorities.
Qualitative Info
Sweden does not maintain official statistics concerning ethnic origin other than citizenship and country of birth. The main rule according to the Swedish Personal Data Act (1998:204) states that ’[...] the maintenance of personal data that reveals race or ethnic origin is prohibited’.[1]
In the opinions delivered by the Advisory Committee established under the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) the lack of data was critiqued as contributing to the complication of the formulation, implementation, evaluation and improvement of minority policies.
Source:
Personuppgiftslag (1998:204) 13 § http://www.notisum.se/rnp/SLS/lag/19980204.HTM (2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
External Url http://www.notisum.se/rnp/SLS/lag/19980204.HTM
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Differential pay rates?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The foreign born population have on average lower income than those born in Sweden and the difference has increased over the past 50 years. The longer immigrants live in Sweden, the higher income they get on average.
In 2008, people born in Asia and Africa had the lowest average income (52% of native-born average wage), while those born in Oceania have the highest (104% of the native-born average wage).
The Nordic immigrants, who for example have the advantage that they either already know Swedish or are more likely to learn it, have the second highest income of all immigrant groups. However, according to statistics from 2008, they still earn only 87% of native born swedish people's average income.
The income differences between immigrants and native Swedes varies slightly in different age groups. Above all, the greatest in the age group 25-34. Immigrants' children are doing well and have almost as much in salary as children with parents born in Sweden. Especially in the older ages, 55-64 years, there is basically no difference at all.
Source:
Migrationsinfo.se, http://www.migrationsinfo.se/arbetsmarknad/inkomster-bland-utrikes-fodda/ (accessed 2012-03-11).
Hammarstedt, M. (2003), ’Income from work among immigrants in Sweden’, The Review of Income and Wealth 49 (2), http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/09/52/58/959d7136.pdf (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
External Url http://www.migrationsinfo.se/arbetsmarknad/inkomster-bland-utrikes-fodda/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Legal restrictions and/or effective practices of exclusion of migrants regarding membership of and participation in trade unions
No, there is no evidence of legal restictions and/or effective practices of exclusion of migrants regarding membership of and participation in trade unions.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
-
Legal obstacles to access employment in the public sector under equal conditions for migrants
Yes. There are legal obstacles to access employment in the public sector under equal conditions for migrants for certain public occupations that require Swedish citizenship.
Qualitative Info
According to Chapter 11 Sec. 11. of the Instrument of Government Swedish citizenship is required for judges, Chapter 6 Sec. 9 says that government ministers must have Swedish Citizenship, the Chancellor of Justice, the Parliamentary Ombudsman and the three Auditors General are the other examples when Swedish Nationality is required by the Instrument of Government (http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/12711/a/138927).
Positions were the person is elected by the Parliament requires Swedish citizenship according to the Riksdag Act (1974:153) Ch. 7 Sec. 11. This Act has a semi constitutional status. As regard other legislation there are some (but rare) occasions where Swedish nationality is required, though (http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/108/a/2316).
Source:
Government bill 2009/10:80 p. 333, http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/12711/a/138927 (accessed 2012-03-10).
SOU 2000:106, Medborgarskapskrav i svensk lagstiftning, http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/108/a/2316 (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
External Url http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/108/a/2316
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Legal restrictions and/or effective practices of exclusion of minorities regarding membership of and participation in trade unions
No. There are no legal restictions and/or effective practices of exclusion of minorities regarding membership of and participation in trade unions.
Groups affected/interested
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
- Integration - social cohesion
-
Are there examples of good practices and positive initiatives against discrimination/racism at the workplace?
Yes. There are many examples of good practices and positive initiatives against discrimination/racism at the workplace initiated by NGO's.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Employment - labour market
-
Differential unemployment levels/rates of migrants?
-
Housing & Segregation
Discrimination in the housing sector persists. There is evidence of significant levels of segregation between migrant groups and the majority population. Migrant and minority groups face especially serious problems in accessing housing of an acceptable quality. Roma are reported to be most segregated and discriminated on the housing market.
-
Is there evidence of significant levels of segregation between migrant groups and the majority population?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The Equality Ombudsman reported in the annual report of 2010 that most complaints are on access to housing both when it comes to the rental market, including the rental criteria (förmedlingssystem), as well as the housing cooperative (bostadsraättsmarknaden). Housing discrimination has serious consequences because housing is such a basic need, but also because complaints indicate that families with children suffer most. The most common grounds for discrimination are ethnicity, religion and disability.
On 31 July 2010, the Equality Ombudsman submitted a report to the government about discrimination in the housing market. The study is based on "situation-testing" and covers discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability and sexual orientation. The housing rental market was examined through nearly 400 phone calls to 150 landlords in 90 different locations. The housing cooperative market (bostadsrättsmarknaden) was examined through a total of 44 visits to different apartments for sale in Stockholm, Helsingborg and Lund. Discrimination occurred both in large cities, medium-sized cities and small towns. Overall, it was found that housing discrimination is a structural phenomenon that directly impacts people's lives, particularly migrants. Discrimination occurred both in large cities, medium-sized cities and small towns. Discrimination affected the ground of ethnicity to a greater extent than the other grounds of discrimination.The people most affected by housing discrimination are people of Finnish origin, Roma and Muslims and Africans. The study reveals that housing discrimination is more common in the rental market than in the housing cooperatives. The Equality Ombudsman also revealed in its Annual Report 2010, that complaints from Roma constitute 20% of the complaints on discrimination in the housing market, both in terms of provision of apartments for rent and purchase of private apartments. Discriminatory behaviour and harassment by landlords or neighbours is also reported.
The Equality ombudsman, Discrimination on the housing market, 2010, (accessed 2011.03.02).http://www.do.se/Documents/Material/Rapporter/Diskriminering%20p%C3%A5%20bostadsmarknaden.pdf
Groups affected/interested
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Afrophobia
- Anti-roma/zinghanophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url http://www.do.se/Documents/Material/Rapporter/Diskriminering%20p%C3%A5%20bostadsmarknaden.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
What is the ethnic origin of the highly segregated migrant group?
The Roma are the most segregated group.
Qualitative Info
On 31 July 2010, the Equality Ombudsman submitted a report to the government about discrimination in the housing market. According to the report, the most segregated groups are people of Finnish origin, Roma, Muslims and Africans. The high degree of segregation is the result of racism/xenophobia. Discriminatory behaviour and harassment by landlords or neighbours is reported to be the main reason for segregation according to the Equality Ombudsman's study. The Equality Ombudsman also revealed in its Annual Report 2010, that complaints from Roma constitute 20% of the complaints on discrimination in the housing market, both in terms of provision of apartments for rent and purchase of private apartments. The Roma are also highly segregated from other minority/migrant groups.
National minorities, such as the Roma are not included as a group in the statistics on segregation. The (1998:204) Act on Personal Information (Personuppgiftslagen) contains the general rules on the right to register personal information. There is a general prohibition to register (among other things) such “sensitive personal information” as ethnicity, religion or other belief and information concerning health and sexual life including sexual orientation. Therefore it’s not easy to assess how the Roma live, since statistics on segregation do not register ethnicity. What can be said is that the Swedish housing market is very segregated in the three biggest cities. This segregation is mostly two-dimensional. Some areas are “Swedish-dense”. In those areas the Swedish ethnic majority is predominant (Report on measures to combat discrimination, Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, Country Report 2010, Sweden, Per Norberg, p.73). Other areas are migrant-dense, but it’s difficult to assess a specific ethnic group as overly more segregated, since these areas are generally of mixed etthnic population.
The Equality Ombudsman, Discrimination on the housing market 2010 (The Equality ombudsman, Discrimination on the housing market, 2010, (accessed 2011.03.02).http://www.do.se/Documents/Material/Rapporter/Diskriminering%20p%C3%A5%20bostadsmarknaden.pdf
Report on measures to combat discrimination, Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, Country Report 2010, Sweden, Per Norberg
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url http://www.boverket.se/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence of significant levels of segregation between minority groups and the majority population?
Yes
Qualitative Info
The Swedish housing market is very segregated in the three biggest cities. This segregation is mostly two-dimensional. Some areas are “Swedish-dense”. In those areas the Swedish ethnic majority is predominant. Other areas are “Swedish-sparse”. The typical ethnic neighbourhood in Sweden have no dominant group.
In its second report, ECRI noted that certain residential areas in Sweden were inhabited almost exclusively by persons of immigrant origin. ECRI notes that de facto residential segregation continues to be an area of concern to organisations active in the fight against racism and intolerance in Sweden.
ECRI encourages the Swedish authorities in their efforts to address de facto residential segregation. In this respect, ECRI recommends that, along with measures to improve the living conditions of persons living in areas predominantly inhabited by persons of immigrant origin, the Swedish authorities consider measures to actually de-segregate these areas.
Source:
Council of Europe: European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI),Third Report on Sweden, Adopted on 17 December 2004, 14 June 2005, CRI(2005)26, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/46efa2e21a.html [accessed 6 March 2012]
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Persons with disability
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/46efa2e21a.html
See other countriesSee indicator history -
What is the ethnic origin of the highly segregated minority group?
Yes. The Roma community is the most segregated minority group in Sweden.
Qualitative Info
The Swedish housing market is very segregated in the three biggest cities. This segregation is mostly two-dimensional. Some areas are “Swedish-dense”. In those areas the Swedish ethnic majority is predominant. Other areas are “Swedish-sparse”. The typical 'ethnic' neighbourhoods in Sweden have no dominant group, but it can be added that the Roma community is the most segregated minority group in Sweden.
In 2010, Statistics Sweden published the report “Integration – a regional perspective”. The report showed that foreign-born people are more concentrated in metropolitan areas than native-born people. 90% of the total foreign-born population lives in big cities or major regional centres compared to 85% among native-born people (Statistics Sweden, Integration – a regional perspective (2010), http://www.scb.se/statistik/_publikationer/LE0105_2010A01_BR_BE57BR1001.pdf).
In a report published from the National Board of Health and Welfare (2010) it is reported that visible minorities in Sweden, which are migrant groups originating in south Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, or Latin America , are increasingly vulnerable to ethnic segregated neighbourhoods and economic poverty. 70 per cent of visbile minorities living in ethnic segregated neigbourhoods did not have an income from work (Socialstyrelsen, Social Rapport 2010, p.12 http://www.socialstyrelsen.se/Lists/Artikelkatalog/Attachments/17957/2010-3-11.pdf).
In its third report, ECRI encourages the Swedish authorities in their efforts to address de facto residential segregation. In this respect, ECRI recommends that, along with measures to improve the living conditions of persons living in areas predominantly inhabited by persons of immigrant origin, the Swedish authorities consider measures to actually de-segregate these areas.
Source:
Statistics Sweden, Integration – a regional perspective (2010), http://www.scb.se/statistik/_publikationer/LE0105_2010A01_BR_BE57BR1001.pdf.
Socialstyrelsen, Social Rapport 2010, p.12 http://www.socialstyrelsen.se/Lists/Artikelkatalog/Attachments/17957/2010-3-11.pdf.
Council of Europe: European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI),Third Report on Sweden, Adopted on 17 December 2004, 14 June 2005, CRI(2005)26, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/46efa2e21a.html[accessed 6 March 2012]
Groups affected/interested
- Roma & Travelers
- Ethnic minorities
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url http://www.socialstyrelsen.se/Lists/Artikelkatalog/Attachments/17957/2010-3-11.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence of majority driven segregation ("white flight" phenomenon)?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In a study written by Hårsman (2006), he explains that Swedes are moving out of areas with many non-European immigrants. He describes that it is mostly Swedish families that move from areas with many immigrants to areas with mostly only Swedes. In another report it is reported that in Gothenburg, which is the second largest city in Sweden, Swedish families with children are moving to villa areas (Andersson, Bråmå, Hogdal, 2009).
Hårsman, B: Ethnic Diversity and Spatial Segregation in the Stockholm Region, Urban Studies, Vol. 43, No. 8, 1341–1364, July 2006
Andersson, Bråmå, Hogdal. Fattiga och rika – segregationen ökar. Rapport utgiven av Göteborgs stad 2009
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Majority
Type (R/D)
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url http://www.boverket.se/Global/Webbokhandel/Dokument/2010/Bilaga%201.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence of denial of housing/housing rights for certain ethnic groups?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The Equality Ombudsman reported in the annual report of 2010 that most complaints are on access to housing both when it comes to the rental market, including the rental criteria (förmedlingssystem), as well as the housing cooperative (bostadsraättsmarknaden). Housing discrimination has serious consequences because housing is such a basic need, but also because complaints indicate that families with children suffer most. The most common grounds for discrimination are ethnicity, religion and disability.
On 31 July 2010, the Equality Ombudsman submitted a report to the government about discrimination in the housing market. The study is based on "situation-testing" and covers discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability and sexual orientation. The housing rental market was examined through nearly 400 phone calls to 150 landlords in 90 different locations. The housing cooperative market (bostadsrättsmarknaden) was examined through a total of 44 visits to different apartments for sale in Stockholm, Helsingborg and Lund. Discrimination occurred both in large cities, medium-sized cities and small towns. Overall, it was found that housing discrimination is a structural phenomenon that directly impacts people's lives, particularly migrants. Discrimination occurred both in large cities, medium-sized cities and small towns. Discrimination affected the ground of ethnicity to a greater extent than the other grounds of discrimination.The people most affected by housing discrimination are people of Finnish origin, Roma and Muslims and Africans. The study reveals that housing discrimination is more common in the rental market than in the housing cooperatives. The Equality Ombudsman also revealed in its Annual Report 2010, that complaints from Roma constitute 20% of the complaints on discrimination in the housing market, both in terms of provision of apartments for rent and purchase of private apartments. Discriminatory behaviour and harassment by landlords or neighbours is also reported.
The Equality ombudsman, Discrimination on the housing market, 2010, (accessed 2011.03.02).http://www.do.se/Documents/Material/Rapporter/Diskriminering%20p%C3%A5%20bostadsmarknaden.pdf
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url http://www.do.se/Documents/Material/Rapporter/Diskriminering%20p%C3%A5%20bostadsmarknaden.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence that migrant/minority groups face especially serious problems in accessing housing of an acceptable quality?
Yes
Qualitative Info
Refugees: According to the housing market survey for 2011, 85 municipalities stated that refugees with permanent residence and those who intend to live permanently in the municipality have difficulties, particularly in obtaining a mortgage.[1] In 2010, about 22 of the 26 municipalities in Stockholm county indicated that they had housing shortage and difficulties meeting the housing needs for refugees. About one third of the Migration Board answered they had almost never offered housing to asylum seekers with special medical needs.[2] It should be noted that refugees living in a rented apartment do not always have a first owner contract (förstahandskontrakt).[3]
Visible minorities: In a report published from the National Board of Health and Welfare (2010) it is reported that visible minorities in Sweden, which are migrant groups originating in south Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, or Latin America counts as "visible", are increasingly vulnerable to ethnic segregated neighbourhoods and economic poverty. 70 per cent of visbile minorities living in ethnic segregated neigbourhoods did not have an income from work. People with incomes below the relative poverty line (60percent of median income) were overrepresented in these neighborhoods. [4]
Immigrant children: One of the most debated issues surrounding housing is the increasing number of immigrant children living in poor neighbourhoods. Save the Children publishes annual reports about child poverty, and in the eighth report in February 2011. It was stated that children living with single parents in ethnic segregated neighbourhoods are affected by poverty the most. It is estimated that 49% of children living with single parents with a migrant background live in poor housing conditions and in poverty. In 2008, about 220,000 children lived in poverty – that is, 11.5% of all children in Sweden. It is the highest figure since the investigation was initiated in 2002. In Malmö, child poverty is estimated to be 31%. In Rosengård in Malmö, which is a predominantly a migrant neighbourhood, more than 61.4% of the children live in poverty. [5]
The Children’s Ombudsman has reported concern about the increased evictions of families with children. During the first half of 2011 about 358 children were affected by eviction. This is an increase of 9% - or 30 children compared to the same period last year, according to new statistics from the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden). The Children’s Ombudsman has therefore called ten municipalities to discuss how prevention efforts can be strengthened. [6]
Roma: Complaints from Roma constitute 20% of the complaints on discrimination in the housing market, both in terms of provision of apartments for rent and purchase of private apartments. Discriminatory behaviour and harassment by landlords or neighbours is also reported (Equality Ombudsman, http://www.do.se).
[1] Boverket,
[2] http://www.lansstyrelsen.se/stockholm/SiteCollectionDocuments/Sv/publikationer/2011/rapport-2011-20.pdf
[4] Socialstyrelsen, Social Rapport 2010, p.12 http://www.socialstyrelsen.se/Lists/Artikelkatalog/Attachments/17957/2010-3-11.pdf
[5] Save the Children report with its annexes can be downloaded from: http://www.rb.se/press/pressmeddelanden/Pages/Barnfattigdomen_i_Sverige_ett_brott_mot_Barnkonventionen.aspx
[6] Childrens Ombudsman, ”Vräkningar av barnfamiljer”, http://www.barnombudsmannen.se/vart-arbete/ny-i-fokus-just-nu/vrakningar-av-barnfamiljer/
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
External Url http://www.barnombudsmannen.se/vart-arbete/ny-i-fokus-just-nu/vrakningar-av-barnfamiljer/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Migrant or minority group which faces especially serious problems in accessing housing of an acceptable quality?
Refugees, Roma, migrants.
Qualitative Info
According to the housing market survey for 2011, 85 municipalities stated that refugees with permanent residence and those who intend to live permanently in the municipality have difficulties, particularly in obtaining a mortgage.[1]
Complaints from Roma constitute 20% of the complaints on discrimination in the housing market, both in terms of provision of apartments for rent and purchase of private apartments. Discriminatory behaviour and harassment by landlords or neighbours is also reported.
In a report published from the National Board of Health and Welfare (2010) it is reported that visible minorities in Sweden, which are migrant groups originating in south Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, or Latin America counts as "visible", are increasingly vulnerable to ethnic segregated neighbourhoods and economic poverty. 70 per cent of visbile minorities living in ethnic segregated neigbourhoods did not have an income from work. They either studied, were unemployed, lived on early retirement pensions, sick leave, or living on social assistance. People with incomes below the relative poverty line (60percent of median income) were overrepresented in these neighborhoods). Poverty is a major obstacle to obtaining mortage for housing. [2]
[1] Boverket,http://www.boverket.se/Boende/Analys-av-bostadsmarknaden/Bostadsmarknadsenkaten/Riket-grupper/Flyktingar/
[2] Socialstyrelsen, Social Rapport 2010, p.12 http://www.socialstyrelsen.se/Lists/Artikelkatalog/Attachments/17957/2010-3-11.pdf
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url http://www.socialstyrelsen.se/Lists/Artikelkatalog/Attachments/17957/2010-3-11.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence of particular difficulties faced by migrant/minority groups in purchasing or renting property of their choice?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The Equality Ombudsman reached a settlement with a landlord in Avesta who denied a woman to rent an apartment because she is Roma. According to the woman, the landlord was at first in favour of renting the apartment to the woman and her family. When she met him to look at the apartment, he quickly changed his mind after realising she was Roma. The landlord said he would first ask other tenants in the building if they would like to have a Roma as a neighbour, but after a few days, the woman declined to rent the apartment. The Equality Ombudsman investigated the complaint and determined that the landlord exposed the woman to ethnic discrimination. The Equality Ombudsman and the landlord reached an agreement awarding the woman and her children 120,000 kronor. [1]
The Equality Ombudsman concluded a settlement with HSB-association in Haparanda to pay a Roma woman and her three children a total of 100, 000 kronor (10,000 euros). The woman made an agreement to buy an apartment from a seller but the housing association’s board argued it did not want a Roma living in their building stopped the purchase. [2]
[1] 2011-04-29: Settlement, Case Number: NOTE 2009/519
[2] Ärende ANM 2009/ 6 http://www.do.se/sv/Press/Pressmeddelanden/Romsk-familj-far-ersattning-efter-forlikning-med-HSB-forening/ (2010.08.24).
Groups affected/interested
- Roma & Travelers
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url www.do.se
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Affected group with particular difficulties in purchasing or renting property of own choice
Refugees, Roma and migrants from south Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, or Latin America (designated as 'visible' minorities).
Qualitative Info
Refugees: According to the housing market survey for 2011, 85 municipalities stated that refugees with permanent residence and those who intend to live permanently in the municipality have difficulties, particularly in obtaining a mortgage.[1]
Roma: Complaints from Roma constitute 20% of the complaints on discrimination in the housing market, both in terms of provision of apartments for rent and purchase of private apartments. Discriminatory behaviour and harassment by landlords or neighbours is also reported.
Visible minorities: In a report published from the National Board of Health and Welfare (2010) it is reported that visible minorities in Sweden, which are migrant groups originating in south Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, or Latin America counts as "visible", are increasingly vulnerable to ethnic segregated neighbourhoods and economic poverty. 70 per cent of visbile minorities living in ethnic segregated neigbourhoods did not have an income from work. They either studied, were unemployed, lived on early retirement pensions, sick leave, or living on social assistance. People with incomes below the relative poverty line (60percent of median income) were overrepresented in these neighborhoods). Poverty is a major obstacle to obtaining mortage for housing. [2]
[1] Boverket,http://www.boverket.se/Boende/Analys-av-bostadsmarknaden/Bostadsmarknadsenkaten/Riket-grupper/Flyktingar/
[2] Socialstyrelsen, Social Rapport 2010, p.12 http://www.socialstyrelsen.se/Lists/Artikelkatalog/Attachments/17957/2010-3-11.pdf
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
External Url http://www.boverket.se/Boende/Analys-av-bostadsmarknaden/Bostadsmarknadsenkaten/Riket-grupper/Flyktingar/
See other countriesSee indicator history
-
Is there evidence of significant levels of segregation between migrant groups and the majority population?
-
Education
There are problems with educational attainement by migrant students. One in four students with a migrant background left compulsory school without the qualifications to enter the national programme in upper secondary school (gymnasiet) compared to one in 10 pupils with a Swedish background. The legal regulations in the educational field for the national minorities is still weak and children’s right to their minority language is not realized.
-
Practical obstacles and evidence of problems and differential enrollment rates for certain minorities?
Yes, there is.
Qualitative Info
The former Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination (DO), published a report in November 2008 about national minorities. The report entitled Diskriminering av nationella minoriteter inom utbildningsväsendet [Discrimination of national Minorities in the education system] contributed with knowledge about the situation of national minorities in the education system by illustrating their experiences of discrimination and proposing measures to prevent and combat discrimination.[1] The report also showed the widespread discrimination of national minorities due to their ethnic background and how the group experienced these acts of violations and harassments on an everyday bases.
In a study commissioned by DO 40 % of Roma children indicated that they were not open about their Roma identity in school. Some of them claimed that they were from Poland. Many Romanies expect discrimination at school from teachers, children and parents. Harassment and other forms of discrimination contributes to a high rate of absence from school. [2]
[1]Pikkarainen Heidi and Brodin Björn, Diskriminering av nationella minoriteter inom utbildningsväsendet (Ombudsmannen mot etnisk diskriminering, DO report no. 2008:2).
[2] DO (2003) Discrimination of Romanies in Sweden, p. 15.
Groups affected/interested
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url www.do.se
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Practical obstacles and evidence of problems and differential enrollment rates for migrants?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In the Government Bill Knowledge without borders – higher education in the era of globalisation (Government Bill 2008/09:175) the Government argues that in the long term the internationalisation of Sweden’s higher education ought to benefit from the introduction of fees for studies at universities and other higher education institutions in Sweden for students who come from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
Swedish universities have now introduced tuition fees for foreign students, except for exchange students and those from within the EU and Switzerland. Tuition fees for international students will range between 90,000-250,000 kronor (9,000-25 000 euro) per year, depending on the programme and school. While over 16,000 non-EU students were enrolled at Swedish universities during the last academic year, fewer than 1,300 are registered for the 2011 autumn term.
Source:
Government Bill Knowledge without borders – higher education in the era of globalisation (Government Bill 2008/09:175) http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/12/41/93/b408cc03.pdf (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/12/41/93/b408cc03.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Poorer educational performance by certain groups?
Migrants' children.
Qualitative Info
The Swedish School Inspectorate (Skolinspektionen) announced in a report published in 2010 that multicultural kids and students at Sweden’s preschools and schools are falling behind due to the inability of teachers to address their needs.[1] The agency undertook a study of 21 preschools and 21 schools in 12 municipalities. The findings offer examples of both problems and solutions concerning language and knowledge development of multilingual children.
Statistics show that students who immigrated after starting school, are less able to cope with school. These students succeed to a lesser degree in obtaining the objectives of mathematics, English and Swedish or Swedish as a second language, which are required to obtain entry to high school in the national programs. The proportion of eligible pupils for high school has declined significantly, both among those born in and outside Europe.[2]
[1] Skolinspektionen: språk och kunskapsutvecklingen hos barn och elever med annat modersmål än svenska (rapport 2010:16)
[2] PROP. 2011/12:1 UTGIFTSOMRÅDE 13, Budget Bill 2012, Integration, p. 17
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url http://www.skolinspektionen.se/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Problems with educational attainement by certain groups (drop out - fragmentation of educational experience)?
Yes, pupils with migrant background.
Qualitative Info
The Government reportedin the Budget Bill 2011/12:1 about education that monitoring and research shows that in addition to students’ socioeconomic background, age at the time of migration is of great importance for school performance. Children born in Sweden to foreign parents and children who arrived in Sweden before starting school are as well placed to cope with the Swedish elementary school as children with a Swedish background. High school eligibility of pupils born outside the EU / EFTA countries has increased by 1.2 percentage points in 2000-2010.[1]
There are differences between boys and girls who were born outside the EU / EFTA and who came to Sweden before or at starting school. The girls succeed better than boys regardless of whether they come to Sweden before or after starting school. Despite this, the proportion of girls who were born outside the EU / EFTA countries and who came to Sweden after starting school among students eligible for upper secondary school declined by 21.4 percentage points in 2000-2010 compared with 1.5 percentage points among native-born girls.[2]
In total, 11.2% of students leaving compulsory school in spring 2009 did not pass their exams, or 10.1% of the girls and 12.4% of the boys. The drop-out rate at the national programme in upper secondary school is reported to be higher for migrant children than for students with a Swedish background. The Swedish Radio’s Ekot (Sveriges Radio's Ekot) news bulletin reported that one in four students with a migrant background left compulsory school without the qualifications to enter the national programme in upper secondary school (gymnasiet) compared to one in 10 pupils with a Swedish background (Sveriges Radio, http://sverigesradio.se/).
[1] PROP. 2011/12:1 UTGIFTSOMRÅDE 13, Budget Bill 2012, Integration, p. 16.
[2] PROP. 2011/12:1 UTGIFTSOMRÅDE 13, Budget Bill 2012, Integration, p. 17
Sveriges Radio, http://sverigesradio.se/ (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/17/55/29/dacaae9d.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Are there positive initiatives to improve/support poor educational provision for migrant and minority groups?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The government has launched an ambitious program for to improve educational achievement in school. An initiative being implemented is to strengthen basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics. In 2008-2009 the government directed a total of SEK 900 million (90 million Euro) to activities for students at risk of not achieving the goals of the school. Among these students with special needs are those with a immigrant background. A total of 3.6 billion SEK invested in the so-called lifting the teacher years 2007 and 2010. A special teacher training has been introduced with a focus on assisting those students who have difficult to achieve the national objectives, which in particular concerns students with a immigrant background.
In addition to the overall quality improvement efforts are also targeted at newly arrived refugee students. The School Agency (Skolverket) has, at the initiative of the government, presented general guidelines for newly arrived students'education in autumn 2008. The focus on teachers' training is an opportunity for teachers to develop their knowledge in teaching Swedish as a second language. The lack of qualified teachers makes it difficult for municipalities and schools to provide mother tongue education.
Source: Ministry of Integration, http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/13/77/30/6ef4871f.pdf (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/13/77/30/6ef4871f.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Victimisation in schools (bullying/harassment/racist violence) ?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In October 2010, the Equality Ombudsman settled a case with the municipality of Dals-Ed. The case involved an African boy who was subjected to racist abuse and degrading treatment by other pupils at the school. The settlement awarded to the boy was 75,000 SEK (7,500 euros). The racial harassment and death threats had been going on for a long period time, but the school had failed to correct them despite being aware of them. When the boy finally fought back he was regarded as ‘disturbing’ by the school staff. The municipality of Dals-Ed admitted the flaws according to the law prohibiting discrimination and other degrading treatment of children and students.[1]
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Africans/black people
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url www.do.se
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Provision of option to learn mother language other than the majority's
Yes
Qualitative Info
There is no right to minority language education. There is only a duty for the municipalities to arrange it (Per Norberg, Report on measures to combat discrimination, Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, Country Report 2010, Sweden, (p. 69).One pupil is enough to activate this duty .
A migrant student who wishes to have teaching in her/his mother tongue is entitled to this, as long as one or both of her/his guardians has a language other than Swedish as their mother tongue and if the student has basic knowledge of the language. Yet, municipalities are only obliged to provide native language training in a language only if a suitable teacher is available.
The Government and public authorities have a duty to promote the public use of lesser-used languages . Minority groups who want to use Finnish or Sami when in contact with the five state agencies have the right to do so and be made aware of that right. The agencies covered by the demand include the Tax Agency (Skatteverket), the Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan), the equality and discrimination ombudsmen (JO and DO), as well as the Office of the Chancellor of Justice (Justitiekanslern). Other agencies are urged to at least have employees who can speak Finnish, Sami, and Meänkieli.[1]
Mother-tongue instruction and bilingual instruction have an important role to play in supporting and strengthening minority languages. As part of its supervisory responsibilities, the National Agency for Education is required to monitor the development of mother tongue and bilingual instruction for national minorities. The schools are obligated to provide such teaching as regulated in Chapter 2 Sections 9-14 of the Compulsory School Ordinance.
[1] http://www.rod.se/politikomraden/kultur_och_idrott/Dagis-pa-finska-blir-rattighet/ (accessed 2012-03-10).
Per Norberg, Report on measures to combat discrimination, Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC, Country Report 2010, Sweden, (p. 69), http://www.non-discrimination.net/content/media/2010-SE-Country%20Report%20LN_final.pdf (Accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Roma & Travelers
- Ethnic minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Integration - social cohesion
External Url http://www.rod.se/politikomraden/kultur_och_idrott/Dagis-pa-finska-blir-rattighet/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Evidence of school segregation and/or policies of separate/distinct schooling of migrants
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The connection between the school results of children in year nine and the area in which they live was investigated in the report Statistics Sweden, Demographic Reports 2007:2, Children, segregated housing and school results, (http://www.scb.se/statistik/_publikationer/le0102_2006a01_br_be51st0702.pdf. The research showed that it is more common that children living in areas with a large proportion of children with foreign background do not qualify for upper secondary school compared to children living in other housing areas.
However, the study does not fully address the question of why children who live in areas which have a large proportion of children with foreign background are at greater risk of receiving grades that do not qualify them for upper secondary school.
The results also show that many Swedish cities, both large and small, are characterised by segregated housing arrangements. Slightly over 40 percent of children with a foreign background in Sweden are concentrated in 310 of the country's almost 8 000 housing areas (homogenous housing area, or SAMS area). At least half of all children in these areas have a foreign background. At the same time, more than 50 per cent of children with Swedish background live in areas where hardly any children with foreign background at all.
Slightly over 40 percent of all children with foreign background live in ten municipalities. At the same time, nearly 40 percent of all Sweden's municipalities have hardly any children with foreign background at all (0–5 percent).
Source:
Statistics Sweden, Demographic Reports 2007:2, Children, segregated housing andschool results (SCB, Demografiska rapporter 2007:2, Barn, boendesegregation och skolresultat), http://www.scb.se/statistik/_publikationer/le0102_2006a01_br_be51st0702.pdf (accessed 2012-03-11).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url http://www.scb.se/statistik/_publikationer/le0102_2006a01_br_be51st0702.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Evidence of school segregation and/or policies of separate/distinct schooling of minorities
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In the report published by the Swedish Church (Svenska Kyrkan, 2012) called "Våga vara minoritet" the current situation of the national minorities was analysed. Although there are no clear evidence of school segregation and/or policies of distinct schooling for minorities, the report is critical to access to schooling for minority children.
The problems identified are that the right to pre-school in Sámi, Finnish and Meänkieli is not provided in many municipalities in the administrative areas. Although a number of municipalities have not even investigated the need of such pre-school, the parents' demands are dismissed.The stipulations in the Swedish Minority Act regarding the right to pre-school in Sámi, Finnish and Meänkieli are too weak in relation to Sweden’s commitments according to the European Language Charter. The provisions on mother tongue teaching require fundamental knowledge in the minority language in order to participate in classes. To make such requirements is not allowed according to the minority conventions.
Government funding for mother tongue teaching in national minority languages have not been used for national minority children.The legal regulations in the educational field are still weak and children’s right to their minority language is not realized. Bilingual education hardly exists. Many students are denied mother tongue teaching. There is no teacher training in national minority languages and this threatens the survival of the national minority languages, according to the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education. There is also a lack of teaching materials in several minority languages.
Source: Våga vara minoritet – En rapport om minoritetsrättigheter i Sverige 2012 (Dare to be Minority – A Report on Minority Rights in Sweden 2012), http://sverigesradio.se/diverse/appdata/isidor/files/2327/11997.pdf (Accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Education
External Url http://sverigesradio.se/diverse/appdata/isidor/files/2327/11997.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history
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Practical obstacles and evidence of problems and differential enrollment rates for certain minorities?
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Health And Social Protection
Sweden does not offer equal access to health care to all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin and status. Undocumented migrants have still no access to health care on equal terms, despite the recommendations done by the inquiry on health for all. The number of undocumented migrants in the country is estimated to be between 10,000and 35,000 people. The vulnerability for migrant and ethnic women in accessing and receiving effective health care is indictated by the available cases brought to the Equality Ombudsman.
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Is there evidence of increased morbidity rates for minority and migrant groups?
Sweden does not maintain official statistics concerning ethnic origin other than citizenship and country of birth. The main rule according to the Swedish Personal Data Act (1998:204). Therefore there is no official data on that evidence the increased morbidity rates for minority and migrant groups.
Qualitative Info
Sweden does not maintain official statistics concerning ethnic origin other than citizenship and country of birth. The main rule according to the Swedish Personal Data Act (1998:204) states that ’[...] the maintenance of personal data that reveals race or ethnic origin is prohibited’.[1] In the opinions delivered by the Advisory Committee established under the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) the lack of data was critiqued as contributing to the complication of the formulation, implementation, evaluation and improvement of minority policies.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Health and social protection
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Is there evidence of increased mortality rates for minority and migrant groups?
Yes, there are studies that show that certain groups such as Somali women during birth and migrants with hiv/aids have an increased mortality rates.
Qualitative Info
Maternity death among Somalian women was reached by among others Birgitta Essén and Sara Jonsdotter. http://www.fas.se/sv/Forskningsomraden/Sarskilda-satsningar/Kvinnors-halsa/Modradodlighet-bland-invandrarkvinnor/ (accessed 2012-03-10).
The increased risk of mortality among hiv/aids patients with a migrant background was researched by Dr. Veronica Svedhem Johansson
http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=83&artikel=3019143 (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Health and social protection
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Is there evidence of forced heatlhcare/intervention practices to minorities?
Yes. Historically Sweden has practiced forced heatlhcare/intervention practices such as e.g. sterilisation to minorities. This is documented as ongoing between 1934 and 1975. Today there are cases of sterilisation and forced health care interventions practiced on migrants.
Qualitative Info
A ten year old Somali girl was subjected to forced gynecological examination after suspicion that her parents had genital mutilated her. The Social Services Committee reported the parents to the Police after a complaint by a district nurse. The girl was picked up by the police from school to undergo the forced gynecological examination. The Equality Ombudsman sued the municipality for allowing such an intrusion in the girls privacy, based on just suspicion. DO argued that the suspicions and the entire investigation was based on ethnic prejudice. The district court shared DO's view, ruling the municipality to pay 60 000 SEK (6,000 euros) in damages to the family. The municipality appealed against the court decision, but the leave to appeal was rejected, therefore, the district court's ruling is final. [1]
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Type (R/D)
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Anti-roma/ romaphobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Health and social protection
External Url www.do.se
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Specific health issues such as diseases specific to particular groups
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The Centre for Health and Integration (Centrum för hälsa och Integration) published a study that revealed that many refugees with a residence permit experienced anxiety, headache and trouble with sleeping and concentration difficulties. Of the 44 respondents these problems were strongly related to various traumatic events in their lives. 93 % of the men had been victims of violence, and over 70 % of the women and 40 % of the children had witnessed violence towards a loved one. Nearly one third of the children had a loved one killed.[1]
Another report published by The Swedish National Institute of Public Health [Folkhälsoinstitutet] called “How are Sweden’s national minorities doing?” (Hur mår Sveriges nationella minoriteter?).[2] the study showed that there are clear links between the health situation of national minorities, such as high unemployment, a sense of alienation, powerlessness and discrimination. Here are some results from the report:
The Roma reported problems with high alcohol consumption, primarily among men and young people. They also reported gambling and pill addictions, as well as drug abuse, as growing problems.
The country's indigenous Sámi population had similar health conditions as the wider population in terms of life expectancy. But there are significant differences between the 2,500 reindeer herding Sámi and their 20,000 non-reindeer herding counterparts, with the former running an increased risk of workplace accidents and suicide.
Swedish Finns were found to be in worse physical condition than the majority population, while psychological problems are more common among men in this group than in the population at large. Swedish Finns are also heavier smokers and financially less well off than the rest of the population.
Tornedalers are in slightly worse physical health than the population as a whole. They are also less physically active, less involved in social affairs and more financially vulnerable than the majority population.
Jews on the other hand are in better physical, mental and financial shape than the population at large. They also showed higher levels of social participation than the general population. Male Jews did however report levels of discrimination that are above the norm.
[2] The report ”Hur mår Sveriges nationella minoriteter?” download at Folkhälsoinstitutet (In Swedish) http://www.fhi.se/Aktuellt/Nyheter/Halsosituationen-bland-de-nationella-minoriteterna/
Groups affected/interested
- Refugees
- Roma & Travelers
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Health and social protection
External Url http://www.fhi.se/Aktuellt/Nyheter/Halsosituationen-bland-de-nationella-minoriteterna/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Differential access to social protection system and benefits - Do some or more categories of migrants minorities or stateless/non-citizens face limitations and restrictions?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In May 2011, an investigation report Vård efter behov och på lika villkor – en mänsklig rättighet SOU 2011:48 was submitted to the Government. The aim of the inquiry was to propose regulation regarding health care, including dental care, to be offered to asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in Sweden. [1] The number of undocumented migrants in the country is estimated to be between 10,000and 35,000 people.[2]
Although the Inquiry proposed that asylum seekers and undocumented patients should have access to health care as the permanent residents, there is still a lot of confusion regarding the existing regulations. Recently it was reported that a hospital in central Sweden refused to perform an operation on a 16-year-old unaccompanied refugee boy because the doctor didn't think the Swedish Migration Board would pay for the procedure. Mölndal municipality, where the 16-year-old first came when he first arrived in Sweden, has reported the hospital to the National Board of Health and Welfare [3]
[1] Ministry of Health and Social Affairs (Dir. 2010:7), http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/12483/a/138677
[2] Vård efter behov och på lika villkor– en mänsklig rättighet (SOU 2011:48), http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/16/98/15/1ce2f996.pdf
[3] The Local, http://www.thelocal.se/30394/20101124/
Groups affected/interested
- Refugees
- Asylum seekers
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Health and social protection
External Url http://www.regeringen.se/content/1/c6/16/98/15/1ce2f996.pdf
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Do migrants have a higher risk of poverty than the rest of the population?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
Sweden is reported as one of the EU member states were the proportion of foreign born persons aged 20-64 are at risk of poverty after social transfers. This risk is over 12 percentage points higher than the proportion for the total population in this age group (Eurostat: Methodologies & Working papers, Indicators of Immigrant Integration, A Pilot Study, http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-RA-11-009/EN/KS-RA-11-009-EN.PDF p.184).
The migrant population, particularly those born outside the EU tend to have a higher risk of poverty than other sections of the community. The at-risk-of-poverty rate is as high as 30% in Sweden in 2007 (European Commission, Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Social Situation Observatory – Living Conditions and Income Distribution 2010, http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=6722&langId=en p. 11).
The disadvantage of households with a relatively large number of migrants is particularly high in Sweden where the at-risk-of-poverty rate for such households is at least three times more than that of households with no migrant members (European Commission, Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Social Situation Observatory – Living Conditions and Income Distribution 2010, http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=6722&langId=en p.13)
One of the most debated issues surrounding housing is the increasing number of immigrant children living in poor neighbourhoods. Save the Children published the annual report about child poverty in February 2011. It was stated that children living with single parents in ethnic segregated neighbourhoods are affected by poverty the most. It is estimated that 49% of children living with single parents with a migrant background live in poor housing conditions and in poverty. In 2008, about 220,000 children lived in poverty – that is, 11.5% of all children in Sweden. It is the highest figure since the investigation was initiated in 2002. In Malmö, child poverty is estimated to be 31%. In Rosengård in Malmö, which is a predominantly a migrant neighbourhood, more than 61.4% of the children live in poverty. [1]
[1] Save the Children report with its annexes can be downloaded from: http://www.rb.se/press/pressmeddelanden/Pages/Barnfattigdomen_i_Sverige_ett_brott_mot_Barnkonventionen.aspx
European Commission, Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Social Situation Observatory – Living Conditions and Income Distribution 2010,
http://http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=6722&langId=en
Eurostat: Methodologies & Working papers, Indicators of Immigrant Integration, A Pilot Study, http://http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-RA-11-009/EN/KS-RA-11-009-EN.PDF
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Housing
- Health and social protection
- Integration - social cohesion
External Url http://ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=6722&langId=en
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Is there evidence that migrant or minority women are particularly vulnerable in accessing and receiving effective health care services?
Yes, but the evidence available concerns cases brought to the Equality Ombudsman which are indicative of the vulnerability for migrant and ethnic women in accessing or receiving effective health care.
Qualitative Info
A doctor offended a Kurdish woman during a visit to the orthopaedic clinic at the Central Hospital in Karlstad. The woman sought treatment for pain in the knees and thighs. When she walked into the reception room together with the interpreter the doctor asked why she had not learned Swedish, despite living in Sweden for 15 years. He repeated the question several times and also commented on her facial tattoos. The woman felt so bad after the visit that she has not sought medical attention since, even though the symptoms continue. The Equality Ombudsman sued the County Council for direct discrimination and harassment due to ethnicity. A settlement was reached with the County Council awarding the woman 30,000 kronor (3,000 euros).[1]
In December 2010, the Equality Ombudsman and the County Council of Västra Götaland, represented by Primary Care in Southern Bohuslän, made a settlement that awarded a migrant woman 25,000 SEK (2,500 euros). The woman had sought treatment for a long-lasting, severe psychological disorder. The doctor refused to write out a sick leave letter for her. Instead the doctor asked the woman: “Why do you need to stay in this country if you do not like it here?”[2]
In a report by Veronica Svedhem Johansson, she describes the failure of the Swedish Health Care at detecting the prevalence of hiv-infection among immigrant women. Of the people diagnosed with hiv/aids in a late stage, half were women from Africa. Several women got the diagnoses too late and had already a weakened immune system, developed aids and died. The study is based on 82 cases with people who received their hiv-diagnoses in 2007. Many of the women from Africa had seeked health care for symptoms that are very common when having hiv, but they were not tested (http://www.sht.bz/Fler%20afrikanska%20kvinnor%20ska%20hivtestas.pdf) Accessed 2012-03-10
[1] Equality Ombudsman, Case Number: 2009/337.
[2] Equality Ombudsman, Case Number: 2009/720
Nyheter, Ekot, HIV bland invandrare upptäcks sällan, http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=83&artikel=3019143 (accessed 2012-03-10)
Flyktingar dör i aids efter missade hiv-tester, http://www.sht.bz/Fler%20afrikanska%20kvinnor%20ska%20hivtestas.pdf (accessed 2012-03-10)
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Roma & Travelers
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Health and social protection
External Url www.do.se
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Are there policies and/or good practices accomodating culture/ traditions' respect in health care
Yes, but there is a lack of research into migrants' health and their experience with the Swedish medical system in relation to issues of accomodating culture/traditions and respect in health care.
Qualitative Info
In the recently published dissertation, "The meeting between the patient and the doctor: experiences among Somali refugees and medical trainees" Kristian Svenberg with the Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University. (December 2011), http://www.thelocal.se/38198/, found that people from other cultures sometimes find there is an unnecessarily authoritarian approach toward them by Swedish healthcare personnel.
The research is based on the experience of Somali refugees in Sweden. Many Somalians, in particular, feel they are not taken seriously when they seek help for health problems. The author states in the report that a prerequisite for a functioning health care is that the meeting between patient and doctor is characterized by mutual respect and understanding. If this is not working it could easily result in misunderstanding, incorrect treatment and unnecessary examinations.
As a part of his study, Svenberg also interviewed doctors in training and found they sometimes find it difficult to understand patients from Somalia.
There are often misunderstandings when an interpreter is present and some doctors tell of feeling left out when they cannot communicate directly with their patient. When there are problems, some doctors choose to approach the patient with curiosity and try to explore the patient's background in order to create trust and understanding. But other doctors adopt an old-school authoritarian approach to control the situation.
Svenberg thinks there is a lack of research into refugees' health and their experience with the Swedish medical system and hopes his research will help improve the treatment of people from different cultures
Source:
The Local, http://www.thelocal.se/38198/ (accessed 2012-03-11).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Health and social protection
External Url http://www.thelocal.se/38198/
See other countriesSee indicator history
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Is there evidence of increased morbidity rates for minority and migrant groups?
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Political & Civic Participation
In the elections 2010, about 7.6% of the officials elected to the municipality were born abroad, while in the county councils the figure is 7.7% and 8% in parliament. Third country nationals have the right to vote at the if they have been registered residents in Sweden for a continuous period of three years. Only Swedish citizens are entitled to vote in the National Parliamentary Elections. To become a Swedish citizen, generally you have to be a resident in Sweden for five years. National minorities also face obstacles regarding political participation in society. Very few changes have been made to strengthen the Sámi Parliament or the Sámi’s indigenous rights, despite the fact that Sweden has been heavily criticized in the international arena for its handling of Sámi issues. Regular consultations with national minorities have not yet been established in many municipalities and county councils, in spite of the requirements in the Minority Act.
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Outreach - encourage participation - Practical obstacles or problems for migrants in exercising their right to vote
Electoral participation among foreign-born is generally lower than for native-born Swedes.
Qualitative Info
Fewer foreign-born are also members of political parties, even if there has been a greater decline in membership among the Swedish native population.
In the elections 2010, about 7.6% of the officials elected to the municipality were born abroad, while in the county councils the figure is 7.7% and 8% in parliament.
According to (Vallagen SFS 2005:837) Third country nationals (migrants) have the right to vote at the local level/regional level elections if they have been registered residents in Sweden for a continuous period of three years before Election Day. With voting rights cames the right to stand for the municipal elected office. http://www.val.se
Only Swedish citizens are entitled to vote in the National General Parliamentary Elections. To become a Swedish citizen, generally you have to be a resident in Sweden for five years.
The Election Act (SFS 2005:837) (Vallagen SFS 2005:837), http://www.val.se(accessed 2012-03-12).
Migrationinfo.se, http://www.migrationsinfo.se/blogg/medborgarskapsutredning/ (accessed 2012-03-12).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Political participation
External Url http://www.val.se, http://www.migrationsinfo.se/
See other countriesSee indicator history
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Outreach - encourage participation - Practical obstacles or problems for migrants in exercising their right to vote
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Public Life, Culture, Sport & Media
The representation of journalists with a foreign background is limited, only 3 % of the total media workers in Sweden. Those who manage to work as journalists are mainly found among a segment of media workers with very specific features. They are relatively young, born in Sweden and immigrated at an early age, have a Swedish school and college education and speaks flawless Swedish. In sports, the swedish media has reported on several incidents of racism, hate speech and racial violence against black football and ice-hockey players. Discrimination and social exclusion of migrants in sports is also reported, especially towards muslim women, dening them access to sport facilities.
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Is self-identification of individuals/groups a criterion for recognition and respect of minority or ethnic cultural linguistic religious groups' rights by the state/government?
Yes, self-identification of individuals/groups is a criterion for recognition and respect of minority or ethnic cultural linguistic religious groups' rights by the state/government. There are five recognised minority groups in Sweden.
Qualitative Info
The Instrument of goverment (Regeringsformen) states that:
Paragraph 5 of Article 2 declares:
“Public institutions shall work to ensure that all persons shall be able to achieve participation and equality in society and that children’s rights are respected. The public institutions shall counteract discrimination against persons on the grounds of sex, skin colour, national or ethnic origin, language or religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, age or other circumstance that relates to the individual as a person.”
In Article 12 we find a rule that states that legislation entailing discrimination of individuals belonging to minorities as to ethnic origin skin colour or other similar circumstances and sexual orientation is prohibited. Apparently, this provision does not entail religion, but insofar ethnicity involves worship it is probably also included in the prohibition against discrimination. The prohibition is also valid for non-citizens according to Chapter 2 Section 25 were the exceptions where restrictions can be made for non citizens are listed.
Restrictions on freedom of religion can be restricted for non citizens Chapter 2 Section 25 point 1.
As regards indigenous minorities such as the Sami and the Roma, there are special rights and supportive measures as regard the use of their native language as well as access to media and as regards the Sami also on land rights and reindeer management. From 2011 the Sami people have their reindeer management rights recognised in the constitution.
Source:
Instrument of goverment, http://www.notisum.se/rnp/sls/lag/19740152.HTM (Accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Linguistic minorities
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
- Arabophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Xenophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
- Daily life
External Url http://www.notisum.se/rnp/sls/lag/19740152.HTM
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Association: are there restrictions of the freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association for migrants
No, there is no evidence or data as evidence that there are restrictions of the freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association for migrants.
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Political participation
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Association: are there restrictions of the of the freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association for minorities
No.
Qualitative Info
There are no restrictions of the freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of association for minorities. Restrictions on freedom of assembly can be provided if the meeting is aimed at planning a crime, rioting or breach of local regulations. In Sweden the legislation on freedom of assembly is regulated in the Constitution Act and the Public Order Act (1993:1617). The Public Order Act regulates, inter alia, permit requirements and / or notification of a public meeting and the police the right to suspend, disband and banning public gatherings.
Source:
Public Order Act (1993:1617),http://http://www.notisum.se/rnp/sls/lag/19931617.htm (accessed 2012-03-10).
Constitution Act (http://www.notisum.se/rnp/sls/lag/19740152.HTM) accessed 2012-03-10
Groups affected/interested
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Daily life
External Url http://http://www.notisum.se/rnp/sls/lag/19931617.htm
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Religion: Persons belonging to minorities face legal and practical obstacles in exercising or manifesting their religion or belief?
Yes, there is evidence that persons belonging to minorities do not fully enjoy the right to manifest their religion or belief and to establish religious institutions, organisations and associations.
Qualitative Info
Regarding Muslim migrants, the anti-Islam and anti-Immigrant Nationalist political party, the Sweden Democrats, is constantly urging the municipalities to deny Muslims the right to build Mosques. This is part of their political agenda now that they have seats in the Swedish Parliament through the general elections in September 2010.[1]
One incident that exemplifies the aggression targeted toward Muslims and Muslim symbols in Sweden is when the Mosque of the Islamic Centre in Malmö was exposed to gun shots on 31 December 2009. A number of people were in the room and one person received minor injuries from what the police characterized as attempted murder. Several Mosques have previously been subjected to arson and other forms of xenophobic crimes and vandalism.[2]
There is evidence that religious minorities encounter structural difficulties when practicing their religion. One such area is the singling out of religious independent schools as not promoting democratic values. Although there have been cases of reported misconduct, the recent public debate has gone as far as demanding, on occasion, that the schools should be banned.[3]
A case that received a lot of media attention during 2010 concerns a Muslim man who refused to shake hands with a female chief executive during an interview for an internship (The Equality Ombudsman, Case OMED 2007/761). Instead he greeted by placing his hand towards his chest, stating that it is against his religious belief to touch a person of the opposite sex outside the family. The Swedish Employment Service [Arbetsförmedling] decided to suspend his economical benefits arguing that he had contributed to being denied the internship. The Equality Ombudsman sued the Employment Service for discrimination on the grounds of religion. The Stockholm District Court judged the Swedish Employment Office to pay 60 000 SEK (6000 Euros) in compensation to the man.[4]
[3] The local http://www.thelocal.se/29452/20101006/ (Accessed 2012-03-10)
[4] The Equality Ombudsman Case OMED 2007/761
http://www.do.se/sv/Press/Pressmeddelanden/AF-diskriminerade-mannen-som-inte-ville-skaka-hand-med-kvinnlig-chef/ (Accessed 2012-03-10)
Groups affected/interested
- Refugees
- Muslims
- Ethnic minorities
- Religious minorities
- Asylum seekers
- Africans/black people
Type (R/D)
- Anti-migrant/xenophobia
- Islamophobia
- Afrophobia
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Anti-discrimination
- Anti-racism
- Integration - social cohesion
- Religion
External Url www.do.se
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Media: Are there positive measures for promoting or restrictions for Migrant and minority media?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
In Sweden, media in national minority languages do exist. Swedish Television and Swedish Radio, Sveriges Utbildningsradio AB (Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company), comprise the main core of Sweden’s public service, i.e. radio and television serving the general public. Sweden’s public service broadcasting encompasses certain commendable practices in terms of minority language media. These include extensive radio broadcasting in Sami and Finnish languages.[1]
[1] Utbildningsradion, http://www.ur.se/Ung/Amnen/Sprak/Nationella-minoritetssprak/(Accessed 2012-03-10 )
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Media
External Url http://www.ur.se/Ung/Amnen/Sprak/Nationella-minoritetssprak/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Media: Are there positive measures for promoting or restrictions for minority and lesser used language in the media?
Yes.
Qualitative Info
The public service broadcasting provides informational, educational, cultural and entertainment programming in order to meet also the needs of minorities. The Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company (Utbildningsradion, UR) is responsible to produce educational and general knowledge programmes for pre-schools, primary and secondary schools and sixth form colleges or high schools. This is the only company in Sweden operating in multimedia – with production of television and radio programmes, websites, books and other publishing products. An important feature of UR is the production of programmes for ethnic minorities.
One of the good practices that encompass UR’s work is the provision of programs for children and youth from national minority groups and immigrant backgrounds. Besides programs in the national minority languages, they also send programs in Arabic, Somali, Turkish and south Kurdish.
The UR has also provided the capacity building for national minority languages by making accessible a website where the public can acquire some skills in the national minority languages. On the website, there is also general information about the national minorities.[1]
[1] Utbildningsradion (UR), http://www.ur.se/Ung/Amnen/Sprak/Nationella-minoritetssprak/(Accessed 2012-03-10)
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Media
- Integration - social cohesion
- Daily life
External Url http://www.ur.se/Ung/Amnen/Sprak/Nationella-minoritetssprak/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Sport: Effective participation of migrants in sport
Yes. Migrants in Sweden face legal and practical obstacles in participating in sport. Problems with Immigration status, national athletes min quotas are frequently encountered limitations/obstacles.
Qualitative Info
From December 15, 2008 new rules were implemented concerning working conditions. Citizens in countries outside the European Union (EU) or that are not covered of the agreement about European economic cooperation (European Economic Area) and that are not citizens of Switzerland must have working permit to live and work in Sweden.
Working permit is granted by the Swedish Migration Board and they examine ones right to permanent stay in Sweden. The Swedish Sports Confederation is referral authority for the cases that concern sports. When work permit is requested, these conditions must be fulfilled to get granted a work permit:
· One of both parties signed contracts must be enclosed in the application
· One of the contracts must show that the salary is lowest 14 300 SEK per month
· The insurance protection is needed
The Swedish Migration Board can grant permanent stay after four to five years residence in the country. Swedish citizenship can be granted if one has had residence in Sweden for at least five years. Except from that rule is very exceptional. To represent Sweden on national team level, Swedish citizenship is required.
Source: Riksidrottsförbundet, http://www.rf.se/ (accessed 2012-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Migrants
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Sport
External Url http://www.rf.se/
See other countriesSee indicator history -
Sport: Effective participation of minorities in sport
Minorities in Sweden do not face legal problems participating in sports. But they encounter practical obstacles in participating in sports.
Qualitative Info
The Office for the Ombudsman against discrimination (DO) works with Roma rights. When asked about the situation for Roma in sports, the Roma expert explained that the question of the Roma people’s participation in different sporting events should be viewed with their disadvantaged position in the Swedish society. It is obviously a result of the long lasting and pervasive discrimination that the Roma have lived with and the difficulty to break out of these long established structures and mindsets that the Roma people come in contact with in majority societies, which also exists in the context of participation in different sporting activities.The representative from DO further explained that the Roma people are generally not included in different Swedish associations, where many of the sports activities take place. As a result of that, very few Roma participate in the sport activities that the majority society has to offer. The question of Roma participation in the sports world is still an everlasting challenge for the Swedish associations.
Source: Email correspondence with Heidi Pikkarainen, Roma expert at the Office of Ombudsman against discrimination (2009-03-10).
Groups affected/interested
- Roma & Travelers
- Ethnic minorities
- Africans/black people
- National minorities
Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas
- Sport
- Anti-discrimination
- Integration - social cohesion
- Daily life
External Url www.do.se
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Is self-identification of individuals/groups a criterion for recognition and respect of minority or ethnic cultural linguistic religious groups' rights by the state/government?