Sweden - 2012
Is self-identification of individuals/groups a criterion for recognition and respect of minority or ethnic cultural linguistic religious groups' rights by the state/government?
- Code:
- RED114
- Key Area:
- Public Life, Culture, Sport & Media
- Strand(s):
- Discrimination, Equality
| Short Answer |
Yes, self-identification of individuals/groups is a criterion for recognition and respect of minority or ethnic cultural linguistic religious groups' rights by the state/government. There are five recognised minority groups in Sweden. |
| Qualitative Info |
The Instrument of goverment (Regeringsformen) states that:
Paragraph 5 of Article 2 declares: “Public institutions shall work to ensure that all persons shall be able to achieve participation and equality in society and that children’s rights are respected. The public institutions shall counteract discrimination against persons on the grounds of sex, skin colour, national or ethnic origin, language or religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, age or other circumstance that relates to the individual as a person.”
In Article 12 we find a rule that states that legislation entailing discrimination of individuals belonging to minorities as to ethnic origin skin colour or other similar circumstances and sexual orientation is prohibited. Apparently, this provision does not entail religion, but insofar ethnicity involves worship it is probably also included in the prohibition against discrimination. The prohibition is also valid for non-citizens according to Chapter 2 Section 25 were the exceptions where restrictions can be made for non citizens are listed.
Restrictions on freedom of religion can be restricted for non citizens Chapter 2 Section 25 point 1.
As regards indigenous minorities such as the Sami and the Roma, there are special rights and supportive measures as regard the use of their native language as well as access to media and as regards the Sami also on land rights and reindeer management. From 2011 the Sami people have their reindeer management rights recognised in the constitution. Source: Instrument of goverment, http://www.notisum.se/rnp/sls/lag/19740152.HTM (Accessed 2012-03-10). |
| Groups affected/interested | Migrants, Muslims, Ethnic minorities, Religious minorities, Linguistic minorities, Africans/black people |
| Type (R/D) | Islamophobia, Afrophobia, Arabophobia, Religious intolerance, Xenophobia |
| Key socio-economic / Institutional Areas | Anti-discrimination, Anti-racism, Daily life |
| External Url | http://www.notisum.se/rnp/sls/lag/19740152.HTM |
| Situation(s) |
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| Library |
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