Normalization of Racism in Sweden Sparks Calls for Political Accountability

Racism in Sweden has become increasingly normalized, profoundly affecting daily life, particularly for children and youth. Fredrik Malmberg, director of the Swedish Institute for Human Rights, highlights a worsening situation since 2018. On December 5, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination issued strong recommendations to the Swedish government, warning against political measures such as security zones that risk racial profiling by law enforcement.

Despite some government initiatives like the Truth Commission for the Sámi people and a national anti-racism action plan, these measures lack sufficient involvement from those most affected and often frame racism as an individual rather than societal issue. Over half of hate crimes in Sweden are racially motivated, yet many go unreported or unresolved, underscoring the need for more effective action.

The UN committee insists on stronger protections against hate crimes and racist propaganda, especially in schools where children face verbal abuse and exclusion. The committee also cautions against legislative proposals that might have discriminatory impacts, such as deportations based on inadequate conduct and security zones permitting searches without concrete suspicion. A comprehensive human rights-based review of reforms is urged.

These issues gain urgency in the wake of the Sydney attack on Jews celebrating Hanukkah, which Swedish politicians link to the rise in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and calls for a 'global intifada.' Alice Teodorescu Måwe, a prominent politician, warned, "If we do not act now, it is only a matter of time before Sydney becomes Stockholm, Malmö, or Gothenburg." The normalization of racist rhetoric in media and public discourse ahead of Sweden’s election year poses a serious human rights threat, demanding decisive governmental intervention.

Malmberg concludes that Sweden must translate the UN's recommendations into concrete actions to meet its international commitments and effectively counter racism and antisemitism in society.