When we put an end to corporate human rights abuses, I will rejoice

The EU has recently adopted a bill regarding corporate responsibility for human rights and the environment, but the bill is not enough to be able to change the rules of the game, says Hanna Nelson, policy manager at Oxfam Sweden and advisor to the think tank Global Challenge. Pictured: Female tea pickers in Assam, India. Photo: Roanna Rahman.

Of: Hannah Nelson

“The critical tone does not work here in Sweden. This is actually something positive, something historical. ” These are comments that have landed in my inbox since the European Commission presented its bill on corporate responsibility for human rights and the environment. But the law that would protect human rights for workers around the world is now proposed to apply only to 1 percent of companies. Why should we rejoice then? It writes Hanna Nelson, policy manager at Oxfam Sweden and advisor to the think tank Global Challenge.

April 4, 2022, Guest chronicle

Several organizations condemn mass executions in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman has previously said the country should review its legal system and limit the death penalty. 81 people have now been executed in the country. Photo / source: NARA & DVIDS Public Domain Archive.

Of: Julia Carlzon

In mid-March, 81 people were executed in Saudi Arabia, which was the country's largest mass execution in modern times. The UN and several other organizations condemn the country's actions, and believe that it could be a war crime.

March 25, 2022, Notis

The UN criticizes Guatemala's and Sweden's racial discrimination against indigenous peoples

An investment in hydropower in Guatemala has a negative effect on indigenous culture, says indigenous leader Mario López. In the picture, he is standing in front of the river Chixoy, which as a result of a power plant is now half as wide. Photo: Sori Lundqvist, Source: The Latin American groups.

Of: Lina Kallio

56 years ago, the UN General Assembly decided on the abolition of racial discrimination. Despite this, there is widespread and structural discrimination against indigenous peoples both in Guatemala and in Sweden.

March 24, 2022, Analysis

Week 5: The Winter Olympics spark debate on human rights and China's pandemic

When China hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics, protests were raised against the country's handling of human rights. The fact that the country is now organizing the Winter Olympics has also created reactions. Photo: Kris Krüg. Source: Flickr.

Of: Melanie Alphonse

Last week, the Winter Olympics in China kicked off, something that has sparked debate about the country's handling of human rights. Russia's continued influence on Swedish and European security policy has also been discussed on Swedish debate and leadership pages during the past week.

February 7, 2022, Current debate

Several countries are boycotting the Winter Olympics in Beijing

Protests against the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, with particular pressure on China's role in the Darfur conflict, in Myanmar and the country's treatment of Tibetans. The fact that the Winter Olympics will be held in China in February 2022 has also provoked reactions. Photo: Peter M. Source: Flickr.

Of: Julia Carlzon

On February 4, many of the world's top athletes will gather when the Winter Olympics kick off. However, the fact that the sporting event will be held in the Chinese capital Beijing has been met with a number of diplomatic boycotts from Western countries, due to the human rights violations taking place in the country.

February 3, 2022, News

Functional law is a necessity in climate work

People with disabilities have a special vulnerability to increased climate change, according to the organization MyRight. Pictured: a wheelchair on the ground in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo: MyRight.

Of: MyRight

People with disabilities are almost never included in the work for a better climate, nor do they receive information about climate change in available formats. Without information, it is difficult to be involved and change. It writes MyRight, the Swedish disability movement's organization for international development cooperation.

January 31, 2022, Guest chronicle

More violent attacks do not stop women human rights defenders in Guatemala

Maria Hernandéz participates in the peaceful resistance movement in the Ixquisis Micro-Region in Guatemala. Photo: Maria Hernandéz.

The work of female human rights defenders in Guatemala is fundamental to social change in the country, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Despite the important role in society that women and women human rights defenders play in the country, their situation has become increasingly risky. This is what peace observer Emil Wenlöf writes in an analysis on Utvecklingsmagasinet.

January 4, 2022, Guest analysis

The UN recognizes the right to a healthy environment

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva voted in favor of a new human right in the autumn - the right to a healthy environment. Photo: Elma Okic. Source: Flickr.

Of: Ulrika Granlund

The right to a healthy environment was voted through in the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on October 8 - and the world now has a new human right. This right strengthens the link between climate and human rights, something that UN experts believe is important as we live in a world with increasing climate-related issues, such as desertification and large-scale oil projects.

December 21, 2021, Interview

That is why we must defend girls' rights

Every three seconds, a girl is forced to marry and 120 million girls in the world have been subjected to sexual violence at some point. This is what Plan International Sweden writes in a debate article on Utvecklingsmagasinet. Photo: Plan International.

Of: Plan International Sweden

The world is not equal. And for girls, this means that they are discriminated against twice - both because of their age and their gender. Something that has major consequences for how they can live their lives and shape their future, writes Plan International Sweden.

December 10, 2021, Debate

Migrants deported from the US and Mexico: "They are pressured to take more dangerous routes"

Tens of thousands of migrants have set up camp on the US-Mexico border while awaiting asylum. Photo: Christian Palma. Source: Flickr.

Of: Hanne Karlsson

Tens of thousands of refugees and migrants, mainly from Haiti, have been deported from the United States and Mexico in the past month. Many of them have been forced to leave the countries without being given the opportunity to seek asylum. Several human rights organizations claim that this is both discriminatory, illegal treatment and something that violates migrants' human rights.

November 11, 2021, Analysis