Sweden's report to the Council of Europe under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
- Publication date:
- 01 June 2011
- Type:
- Reports
- Source:
- Ministry of Employment
Summary
Strengthening protection for the national minorities is a key element in Sweden's systematic work on human rights at the national level. Since the second report under the Framework Convention was submitted in 2006, the level of ambition for minority policy has been raised further and follow-up of work on minority policy has been intensified.
But while we are proud of the successes we have achieved, we must not be blind to the problems that exist. Human rights work is an ongoing process. Situations and circumstances change, and new shortcomings may become apparent. New measures and working practices may be required.
There are still shortcomings with regard to human rights in Sweden. They can barely be regarded as isolated faults but are based rather on more deep-rooted problems, which can only be solved through long-term efforts. The monitoring process of the Council of Europe is an important tool in work on developing and improving minority policy.
An example of improvement is increased participation by the national minorities in issues that concern them. Our work is not, however, finished here either. At the meeting on this report, to which the Swedish Government invited representatives of the national minorities, there was a clearly expressed wish for a further expansion of self-government and real participation. The national minorities were also informed at the meeting of the opportunity to submit their views to the Council of Europe. Some of their views have also been included in this report.
The Government's goal is to move from words to action and from recognition to empowerment for Sweden's national minorities.
Erik Ullenhag
Minister responsible for minority policy
