Two UN Reviews Call on Sweden to Strengthen Protections for the Sámi People

Several recommendations focused directly on the rights of the Sámi People, with particular emphasis on land rights, participation, and protection from discrimination.

- The UPR review shows that the rights of the Sámi People are a recurring international concern. While Sweden has taken some positive steps, the hesitation on ratifying ILO 169 and implementing Free, Prior and Informed Consent remain major points of criticism, says Eirik Larsen, Head of the Human Rights Unit.

A strong message from the international community concerned Sweden's failure to ratify the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention No. 169. Multiple states (Norway, Denmark, Germany, Mexico, Mozambique, Bolivia, Montenegro, and Paraguay) urged Sweden to move forward with the ratification of the convention. Sweden responded by noting that ratification requires approval by the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament), and that the legal consequences must first be thoroughly investigated. No timeline has been set.

Canada, Austria, and Mexico also raised concerns about Sweden's implementation of FPIC, as set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Several countries (New Zealand, Brazil, Finland, United Kingdom, Spain, China, Costa Rica, and Switzerland) called on Sweden to ensure the effective work of the Truth Commission for the Sámi People, stressing its importance for reconciliation and justice.

Other recommendations include:

• Hate Crime Protection: Canada recommended ensuring adequate legislation and enforcement to address hate crimes, including those targeting Sámi people.

• Capacity building: Canada also recommended providing Sámi organizations with the resources required to respond to increased consultation requests under the Consultation Act.

• Cultural and Social Rights: Australia urged Sweden to advance Sámi economic, social, and cultural rights, including land, language, education, participation in decision-making, and the repatriation of Sámi human remains.

• Action Plan: Paraguay called upon Sweden to establish a comprehensive national strategy and action plan regarding the rights of the Sámi people. Sweden noted that there are currently no plans to establish such a strategy or action plan.

• Climate Change: Vanuatu recommended that Sweden ensure sufficient funding to effectively address climate change and secure a safe and healthy environment. India recommended that Sweden take steps to secure the traditional livelihoods of the Sámi community and ensure their meaningful participation in the adoption of measures under the climate change policy action plan.