International Religious Freedom Concerns in Sweden Discussed at the UN Human Rights Council by WEA
The joint report by the Swedish Evangelical Alliance, European Evangelical Alliance, and World Evangelical Alliance submitted to the UN Human Rights Council for the 49th session of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in May 2025 raises ongoing concerns about freedom of religion in Sweden. The report focuses on several key issues:
- Interference in ecclesial life and canonical jurisdiction: The report highlights incidents like unauthorized religious acts performed by groups such as the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) without diocesan bishop consent, causing division and unclear canonical status for the SSPX in Sweden.
- Increasing religious discrimination and intolerance: The report points to the rise of secularism and political rhetoric hostile toward religious minorities, particularly right-wing parties like the Sweden Democrats and Party for Freedom, which exhibit anti-Islam rhetoric contributing to social tensions affecting freedom of religious expression.
- Growing societal challenges for Christians and evangelical groups: The report emphasizes the challenges these groups face in exercising their religious rights freely amid secular pressures and politicization of religion.
- Broader global context of increasing violations of religious freedom: The report warns that Sweden is part of a larger global context where religious freedom is being increasingly violated, as documented by Catholic charities and international observers.
The report also addresses specific religious practices and rights, such as:
- Allowing religious slaughter, namely kosher and halal slaughter: The report urges the Swedish government to respect the right to freedom of religion by allowing religious slaughter in light of the right enshrined in the Swedish legal framework.
- Respecting the freedom of conscience for medical personnel: The report calls on the Swedish government to respect the freedom of conscience by applying a principle of reasonable accommodation with their requests not to refrain from acts that violate their deeply-held convictions, and provide for the right to exercise conscientious objection.
- Protecting asylum seekers from religiously-based discrimination and harassment: The report recommends thoroughly investigating such incidents and taking affirmative action to protect these individuals.
- Supporting associations affiliated with religious communities: The report urges the state to fund these associations without discrimination or interference with their traditional beliefs.
- Freedom of religion does not equate to freedom from religious criticism: The report argues that while freedom of religion is important, it does not mean that criticism of religious beliefs is not allowed in a free and democratic society.
- Avoiding vague definitions and concepts that could violate freedom of religion: The report advises against introducing such definitions and concepts that could potentially infringe on the right to freedom of religion.
The report also touches on specific incidents, such as:
- Incidents involving the burning or desecration of Qurans: These incidents have sparked a national debate on criminalizing such acts.
- The cost of imported kosher or halal meat in Sweden: The report notes that the cost is significantly higher due to Swedish legislation not allowing religious slaughter, but individuals can import meat from other EU countries.
The Evangelical Alliances also condemn all forms of coercion, including violence, abuse, and torture, against LGBTQ+ people. However, the proposed legislation could force religious representatives to refuse assistance to all LGBTQ+ individuals seeking help, which the report does not support.
This comprehensive report serves as a call to action for the Swedish government to address these issues and ensure that the right to freedom of religion is respected and protected for all individuals within its borders.
[1] https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/nyheter/2021/09/kyrkan-faller-utan-i-debatten-om-kyrkokonflikten-med-oss-saint-pius [2] https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2021/07/07/world-watch-list-2022-religious-freedom-under-attack-across-the-globe/ [3] https://www.thelocal.se/20210507/sweden-democrats-party-for-freedom-and-christian-democrats-form-new-parliamentary-group
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