While visiting the country from October 31 to November 4, members of the International Mechanism of Experts gathered information on existing legislative and regulatory measures to address discrimination. race.
“The collection, publication, and analysis of data disaggregated by race or ethnic origin in all aspects of life, particularly with regard to interactions with law enforcement and systems criminal justice, is an essential element in designing and evaluating responses to systemic racism”. speak Chairman, Yvonne Mokgoro.
“Sweden needs to collect and use this data to combat systemic racism.”
Sweden should expand the definition of safety – Independent UN expert
Necessary race data
Together with the President, Tracie Keesee and Juan Méndez held meetings and conducted interviews in Stockholm, Malmö and Lund, focusing on both good practices and the challenges Sweden faces in implementing upholds human rights obligations of non-discrimination, in the context of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
While the Mechanism understands the historical sensitivities surrounding racial classification in the country, experts say they are “deeply concerned” by the reluctance of the Swedish authorities to collect data. whether disaggregated by race.
“We have heard that the majority of the population in Sweden trusts the police, but most of the testimonies we have received from members of racist communities speak of a fear of abuse. oppressive police presence, racial profiling and arbitrary stops and searches,” she said. Keese.
Restore the trust of the police
They met with representatives from the Departments of Justice, Employment and Foreign Affairs as well as the National Council on Crime Prevention (Brå), the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman and the Equality Ombudsman, and members of the Police Service. Swedish Police, Prison and Probate Service (Kriminalvarden).
“Sweden should broaden the definition of safety and not just rely on police response,” she said.
“Police should focus on strategies to restore their trust among the communities they serve, including through diversifying their staff to reflect Switzerland’s truly multicultural society. Dian,” added the expert.
The mechanism also met with members of the Swedish National Organization for Human Rights, representatives of civil society and affected communities, as well as members of the Swedish Police Service.
Prison visit
Furthermore, the Mechanism visited detention and pre-trial detention centers by police in Stockholm and Malmö, where Mr. Mendez raised concerns about “excessive solitary confinement.”
“Overall, we are also concerned that Sweden may be addressing legitimate security challenges, including increasing gang crime, through a response focused on excessive control, excessive surveillance and deprivation of liberty,” he added.
Mr Mendez called on Sweden to “fully adhere to the Nelson Mandela Rules – formerly the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners – and offer alternatives to detention”.
Submit a Report
The Mechanism has shared its preliminary findings with the Government and will draft a report to be published in the coming months and presented to the public. Dong Nhan Quyen Association.
“We will implement the good practices that we will outline in our final report, including police training and resources allocated to investigating hate crimes,” said Ms. Mokgoro. enemy”.
Independent experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council based in Geneva to check and report back on a particular human rights topic. The positions are honorary and they are not paid for their work.
