A UN expert on Friday warned of the “gradual erosion of rights” of activists and human rights defenders in Sweden, with ongoing restrictions on their ability to exercise their freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.
Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), expressed her concern over the declining status of activists’ rights in the Scandinavian nation. In a statement posted on the OHCHR’s website, Lawlor stated that she was “alarmed” about reports of threats, hate speech, stigmatization, and harassment of human rights defenders, and the growing restrictions to their “rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and association.”
The status of activists’ and human rights defenders’ rights has reportedly deteriorated in Sweden in recent years. Environmental and climate activists have, in particular, borne the brunt of the so-called “demonization” by the Swedish government and judicial system. Labelled as “potential terrorists” and “criminals,” these activists are reportedly facing a heightened risk of prosecution as a result of engaging in protests. Moreover, school-aged children, students, and journalists who have spoken out or tried to report on the ongoing war in Gaza have been allegedly stopped or faced intimidation following their “acts of civil disobedience.”
Lawlor also expressed concern regarding the increase in negative narratives around ethnic or religious minority groups and the negative impact this has consequently had on individuals defending these groups.
Urging the Swedish government to undertake active measures to counter this observed deterioration of rights and, arguably, persecution and targeting of these individuals, the Special Rapporteur called for Sweden to counter smear campaigns and stigmatisation, allocate adequate funding for their activities, and to find ways to meaningfully include them in decision-making processes, including legislative efforts as they so relate to their relevant cause(s). She stated, “it is not too late to reverse these trends. Sweden has a responsibility to create the necessary conditions for human rights defenders to enjoy their rights and conduct their legitimate work.”
Friday’s statement is the latest in a series of headlines on Sweden’s human rights record. A report released by Amnesty International in July 2024 named Sweden among one of 21 European countries where the right of peaceful assembly was reportedly “under attack.” Alongside Hungary, Portugal, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Switzerland, Sweden was identified as a country where activists are required to pay to organize and participate in peaceful assemblies. Amnesty International wrote: “The function of maintaining public order and safety is non-delegable and should always remain the responsibility of state agencies. Legally requiring organizers to contribute towards costs is incompatible with states’ obligations.”
The concerns raised by the Special Rapporteur and international human rights organizations come at a time when Sweden has long been regarded as a global leader in democratic governance and civil liberties. Observers note that the country’s legal framework continues to provide strong protections for fundamental rights, but warn that recent developments affecting activists and civil society actors warrant adequate scrutiny.
The Swedish government has not yet publicly responded to Lawlor’s statement. Under international human rights law, states are obligated to ensure that human rights defenders can carry out their activities without intimidation, harassment, or undue restriction.
