New human rights institute to be located in Lund

On 18 March 2021, the Government adopted a government bill on a human rights institute. The government bill proposes a new act and legislative amendments to regulate the activities of a new human rights institute. The aim of the institute is to promote the protection of human rights at national level.

- I am delighted that we have been able to adopt this decision today, which means that the practical work to establish the human rights institute can begin. Setting up an institute that will be able to monitor, investigate and report on how human rights are respected and protected in Sweden is of great significance, says Minister for Gender Equality and Housing Märta Stenevi.

In deciding on the institute’s location, account was taken of various factors that can be considered beneficial to the Institute’s activities. Lund is home to academic institutions with cutting-edge human rights expertise, for example. Proximity to Denmark and the Danish Institute for Human Rights can also promote the exchange of knowledge and experience that can be of great benefit to the Swedish human rights institute.

- Central government must have a presence throughout the country. It is gratifying that the institute will be established in Lund, where there are good prospects for it to take advantage of the cutting-edge expertise in the region, says Minister for Public Administration Lena Micko.

An Inquiry Chair has now been instructed to prepare for and carry out the formation of the new agency. The Inquiry Chair will propose and take all necessary measures to establish the agency on 1 January 2022. Among other things, the Inquiry Chair will present proposals for instructions and appropriation directions, as well as appoint some of the agency’s staff. The final report is to be delivered by 31 December 2021.

Anna-Karin Lindblom has been appointed as Inquiry Chair.

Press release from Ministry of Employment