A/HRC/44/12
113. Sweden had adopted amendments to the Act on National Minorities and Minority
Languages and to a communication entitled “New start for a stronger minority policy” in
order to promote the use of minority languages and consultations with minorities at all
levels of decision-making. The Government had been planning to adopt two programmes
for the preservation of minority languages. The delegation stressed the need to intensify
efforts, increase funding and ensure genuinely inclusive consultations with minorities in
order to ensure further progress. It also stressed the need to continue efforts to enhance
general public knowledge about national minorities.
114. The delegation reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fighting discrimination
against Roma. Sweden adopted a long-term strategy for Roma inclusion. The Government
had taken steps to enhance the capacity of professionals working on matters related to
Roma.
115. The delegation informed the working group about measures taken to improve the
situation of persons with disabilities, including the participation of and accessibility for
persons with disabilities. Developments in most policy areas had been slow but there had
been positive developments in the areas of culture, media, information technology and
transport.
116. The delegation stated that the issue of ratification of the International Convention on
the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families should
be discussed and decided at the level of the European Union.
117. Sweden had issued guidelines specifying a responsible ministry for each
recommendation from the United Nations human rights bodies in order to coordinate the
implementation and reporting of those recommendations.
118. Brazil encouraged Sweden to review its legislation to enforce the prohibition of
discrimination based on ethnicity.
119. Bulgaria noted the commitment of Sweden to equality between women and men,
and commended Sweden for strengthening the status of the Sami people.
120. Burkina Faso welcomed a strategy on development cooperation. It encouraged
Sweden to raise awareness against hate speech.
121. Cambodia commended Sweden for the adoption of a national action plan to combat
racism and hate crime.
122. Canada welcomed the commitment of Sweden with regard to an independent human
rights institution and progress concerning Sami people.
123. Chile acknowledged the progress made with regard to human rights, including the
adoption of a national action plan on business and human rights.
124. China was concerned about discrimination and hate crime against Muslims, Roma
and people of African descent.
125. Colombia welcomed the Swedish Gender Equality Agency and legal measures to
combat human trafficking.
126. The Congo commended national plans on human rights and business, on combating
racism and hate crime and on development cooperation.
127. Costa Rica noted the harmonization of legislation on children’s rights. It highlighted
a need for measures to combat racism.
128. Croatia inquired about measures to establish a national human rights institution and
to combat human trafficking.
129. Cuba welcomed the delegation of Sweden and expressed its thanks for the
presentation of the national report.
130. Cyprus commended Sweden for mainstreaming and implementing the Sustainable
Development Goals into all government decisions and policies.
131. Czechia appreciated the efforts of Sweden to strengthen democracy and human
rights worldwide.
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