A/HRC/15/11
39.
The Czech Republic acknowledged the system of ombudsmen ready to assist in
cases of discrimination. It acknowledged Sweden’s systematic work and exemplary
cooperation with international mechanisms. The Czech Republic made recommendations.
40.
While welcoming the adoption of the second National Action Plan for Human
Rights, Romania was interested in learning about its implementation. Romania also noted
that there was no independent national human rights institution and asked for updated
information in that regard.
41.
Finland welcomed the new legislation on minorities and minority languages and
asked about how access for minorities to social services could be improved, and how the
Delegation for Roma Issues was carrying out its functions. Finland also asked about the
benefits of having merged four distinct entities into the Equality Ombudsman. Finland
made recommendations.
42.
Egypt noted the adoption of Sweden’s second National Action Plan for Human
Rights, with its main focus on discrimination, and the new Anti-Discrimination Act.
However, Egypt echoed the concerns expressed by treaty bodies regarding the increase in
racially motivated crimes and the low number of prosecutions. Egypt also inquired about
measures taken to combat the trafficking in women and children. Egypt made
recommendations.
43.
Cuba expressed concerns about racial hatred crimes, the dissemination of racist
propaganda, religious intolerance, the reluctance to prosecute cases of discrimination
against minorities, and the excessive use of force against migrants. It was also concerned
about discrimination against Sami and Roma children and about the situation of people with
disabilities. It regretted the impunity of State agents responsible for the use of Swedish
territory as transit territory for secret flights of the Central Intelligence Agency. Cuba made
recommendations.
44.
Spain highlighted Sweden’s willingness to cooperate with special procedures and its
effort to integrate a human rights perspective into its policies. It recognized Sweden’s
achievements regarding the integration of migrants. It asked how the national mechanism
for follow-up to the implementation of CRPD would work. Spain made recommendations.
45.
New Zealand welcomed the new Act on national minorities and minority languages.
However, it noted that the land issues of the Sami people had not been resolved and asked
questions in that regard. It was concerned about the use of diplomatic assurances and about
challenges faced by persons with disabilities. It regretted that Sweden had yet to establish
an independent national human rights institution. New Zealand made recommendations.
46.
Mexico acknowledged Sweden’s improvements in its human rights normative
framework and the institution of the Ombudsman. It noted with satisfaction efforts to
ensure the right to health and education for every child, and the information provided
regarding the fighting of trafficking. Mexico made recommendations.
47.
Bolivia (Plurinational State of) expressed concern about participation by the Sami in
political decisions affecting them, especially regarding land issues. It noted that Sweden
supported the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples but had not implemented
the rights set out therein and had not ratified ILO Convention No. 169. It asked whether
Sweden intended to expropriate indigenous lands to install windmills. It expressed concern
about the increase in crimes motivated by racial hate, the propaganda in favour of white
supremacy, and the lack of penalties for such crimes. Bolivia made recommendations.
48.
Chile commended Sweden for having taken in thousands of Chileans during
turbulent times in Chilean history. It praised the ratification of many human rights treaties
and the human rights normative framework. It welcomed the adoption of a national plan to
combat violence against women and the priority given to combating violence against
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