Of: Jenny Hedstrom and Johanna Kvist
In recent years, Burma has opened up to the outside world, but women are still excluded from political contexts. It is crucial for the country's continued democratic development to strengthen the rights of girls and women. Sweden should therefore increase support for the local women's organizations whose gender equality work has already led to real change, write Jenny Hedström and Johanna Kvist from the Swedish Burma Committee.
March 16, 2017, Debate
Of: Gabriella Irsten
At the same time as the new regulations on arms exports have been delayed for several years, Sweden increased its exports of munitions by 45 percent in 2016. Swedish arms exports are not compatible with a feminist foreign policy and a majority of parliamentary parties say they want to stop arms exports to dictatorships. Now it's time to move on from words to action, writes Gabriella Irsten, International Women's Association for Peace and Freedom (IKFF).
March 13, 2017, Debate
Of: Linda Åkerström
Sweden exports weapons to countries that oppress women and LGBTQ people; countries that seriously violate human rights. Why do we trust these governments enough to supply them with munitions? It is time to put an end to arms exports that undermine the pursuit of freedom and democracy, writes Linda Åkerström from the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Association.
January 9, 2017, Debate
Of: Karl-Anders Larsson
Corruption in Cambodia existed long before aid was planned, but the influx of aid funds affects corruption and its effects. Short-sightedness and a lack of understanding of power relations make development a contributing factor. But for effective and situational assistance, it is possible to contribute to the fight against corruption, writes Karl-Anders Larsson, former embassy councilor in Cambodia.
July 14, 2016, Debate
Of: Annelie Andersson
Swedish pension money contributes to small farmers in Latin America losing land that guarantees their livelihood. Human rights and democracy must never be the prize for maximizing economic gain. Therefore, Sweden must take its responsibility in land issues, writes Annelie Andersson from the Latin American groups.
April 20, 2016, Debate
Of: Jan Rudengren and Lars Rylander
Despite the fact that Sweden has long provided aid to states, it has led to little democratic progress in the countries. Now we need to rethink and create a new strategy. Investing in migration and non-governmental organizations can be a way to go, write development assistance consultants Lars Rylander and Jan Rudengren.
March 10, 2016, Debate
Of: Tobias Peterson
The Swedish LGBTQ movement and the government are on their toes about LGBTQ issues in development aid policy. Sweden provides aid to homophobic countries and through the recognition of Palestine, homophobic forces were recognized. In order to send the right signals, Sweden must include LGBTQ rights in each recipient country's performance strategy. In addition, all Swedish aid organizations should be LGBTQ-certified, writes Tobias Petersson who is an LGBTQ activist and writer with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa.
August 3, 2015, Debate
Of: Mukhtar Bulaale
When the Swedish government recognized Palestine as a state, it was a clear political marking. Meanwhile, in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland today celebrates 24 years of democracy and stability. It should now be time for Sweden to take the lead internationally and fully recognize Somaliland as an independent country.
May 18, 2015, Debate
Of: Nils Traveller
Swedish foreign journalism has been dismantled in recent years. The articles are becoming shorter, the reviews fewer and the foreign newsrooms are increasingly relying on material from foreign news agencies. Not even the great Swedish development assistance is today significantly examined by journalists. That is why we are now starting the Blank Spot Project to monitor the world's white spots, writes journalist Nils Resare.
February 25, 2015, Debate
