On 5 May 2025, Sweden was reviewed in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) within the framework of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). Every UN Member State undergoes this process every five years; Sweden has previously been reviewed in 2010, 2015 and 2020. State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dag Hartelius led the delegation that took part in the UPR in Geneva.
During the UPR, Sweden received recommendations from other UN Member States on how it could improve and ensure respect for human rights in Sweden. HRC is an important platform for promoting respect for human rights globally and Sweden actively participates in the reviews of other countries. Being reviewed gives Sweden the opportunity to show what it does to promote human rights and listen to recommendations about what else it needs to do.
Sweden considers the UPR a key tool to improve respect for human rights around the world. It strengthens protection of human rights and monitors every state’s responsibility to respect, protect and fulfil them. This process identifies challenges and progress related to human rights in every country.
Ahead of the UPR, the Swedish Government drafted a report on the human rights situation in Sweden. Civil society actively participates in the process and has produced its own reports on Sweden’s situation. Civil society organisations are also taking part in Geneva.
Reports and information about Sweden’s UPR are available here.
