A/HRC/15/11 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its eighth session from 3 to 14 May 2010. The review of Sweden was held at the 10th meeting, on 7 May 2010. The delegation of Sweden was headed by the State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Frank Belfrage. At its 14th meeting, held on 11 May 2010, the Working Group adopted the report on Sweden. 2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Sweden: Mauritius, Ukraine and Uruguay. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Sweden: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/8/SWE/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/8/SWE/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/8/SWE/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Algeria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Switzerland was transmitted to Sweden through the troika. Those questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The Swedish delegation stated that the promotion and respect of human rights was a priority for Sweden and a cornerstone of country’s foreign policy. 6. The preparation of the national report had been transparent and inclusive. Sweden was a parliamentary democracy founded on the rule of law. Sweden was a party to many human rights treaties and had accepted the most far-reaching scrutiny of its human rights record. The Swedish general welfare system was extensive and had contributed to the practical enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. 7. Sweden had five national minorities: the Jews, the Roma, the Sami, the Swedish Finns and the Tornedalers. In 1977, the Sami had been recognized by Parliament as Sweden’s only indigenous people. Migration had contributed to the shaping of a multicultural society. 8. Sweden was committed to respecting human rights, while acknowledging the challenges facing it. 9. The Penal Code provided for aggravated sentencing for crimes motivated by hatred. Measures taken include training for police and prosecutors, new manuals, the establishment of a special hate crimes unit and a hate crimes telephone hotline. The police monitored organizations engaged in racist activities. Another tool for fighting prejudice was the provision of State funding to non-governmental organizations. 3