The Swedish Evangelical Alliance, alongside European and World Evangelical Alliances, filed a report to the UN Human Rights Council addressing issues of religious freedom in Sweden, including challenges faced by Christian asylum seekers, conscientious objection rights for medical personnel, and restrictions on religious education and slaughter. The report urges the government to uphold international standards and protect rights related to religious expression.
In a significant move, the Swedish Evangelical Alliance (SEA), in collaboration with the European and World Evangelical Alliance (EEA and WEA), has filed a comprehensive report to the UN Human Rights Council, highlighting critical issues regarding religious freedom in Sweden. This report, aimed for the 49th session of the Universal Periodic Review in May 2025, shines a light on the plight of Christian asylum seekers, the right to conscientious objection in abortion, religious education, and more, urging the Swedish government to adhere to international standards and human rights obligations. The report underscores alarming concerns regarding the treatment of Christian converts claiming asylum, alleging a “politicized and arbitrary procedure” that fails to meet global standards for refugee status assessment. Many of these asylum seekers face persecution in Swedish centers, prompting recommendations for rigorous investigations into incidents of religious-based discrimination, as the action plan against racism falls short of protecting Christian refugees. On the theme of conscientious objection, the report states that Sweden notably has limited respect for the rights of medical professionals who refuse to participate in abortions due to moral convictions. The alliances call for the government to honor freedom of conscience, allowing individuals to abstain from activities that conflict with their beliefs. Furthermore, the report highlights a worrying trend in limiting religious education, urging the safeguarding of parents’ rights to provide faith-based schooling for their children amidst increasing legislative restrictions. Addressing religious slaughter, the report criticizes Sweden’s prohibition of kosher and halal practices, drawing attention to the economic burdens imposed on those needing such options. The alliances advocate for legal allowances for these practices, emphasizing the importance of aligning legislation with religious freedom rights. Furthermore, the report discusses the contemporary debate around hate speech laws, triggered by the burning of Qurans, stressing that while such actions may be deemed disrespectful, they fall under the protections of free speech and should not invoke new blasphemy laws. Finally, the report cautions against proposals to constrict public funding for religious organizations based on perceived democratic values and issues a stern warning regarding potential legislations on conversion therapy, which could inadvertently infringe on religious dialogue and expression. In essence, the exhaustive report serves as a clarion call for the Swedish government to uphold fundamental religious freedoms, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds, are treated with dignity and respect.
The report to the UN Human Rights Council comes at a time of growing scrutiny over the treatment of religious minorities in Sweden. It presents a narrative of vulnerability faced by Christian converts within the asylum-seeking framework, addresses the complexities surrounding conscientious objection for medical personnel, and emphasizes the essential need for religious freedoms in education and practice. This backdrop sets the stage for policy discussions within specialist circles and aims to influence legislative frameworks that govern religious practices in Sweden.
The joint report submitted by the Swedish, European, and World Evangelical Alliances paints a pressing picture of the challenges that religious minorities face in Sweden. From asylum seekers persecuted for their faith to the restrictions on conscientious objection and religious practices in education, the alliances are advocating for stronger protections of religious rights. By highlighting these critical concerns to the UN Human Rights Council, they seek to foster a more inclusive environment where freedom of religion is acknowledged and celebrated.
Original Source: evangelicalfocus.com
