The role of religious freedom in Swedish foreign and development policy

Democracy is retreating in many parts of the world and we are seeing increased polarization based on issues of values ​​related to culture, religion and equality. In this environment, how can Sweden, as an internationally recognized strong voice for human rights, act within its foreign and development policy? What can decision-makers, officials and various development actors do to promote an open and democratic culture, in the midst of a time of international division?

Based on these issues, a Riksdag seminar was organized on 15 November at the initiative of the Christian Democrats and the Left Party in collaboration with the Swedish Mission Council. The seminar was attended by, among others, the UN’s special rapporteur for freedom of religion and belief, Dr. Nazila Ghana; The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ special envoy for intercultural and interreligious dialogue, Ulrika Sundberg, and members of parliament Gudrun Brunegård (KD), Lotta Johnsson Fornarve (V), Linnea Wickman (S), Katarina Tolgfors (M) and Yusuf Aydin (KD).

Dr. Nazila Ghane’s and Ulrika Sundberg’s presentations can be viewed here and here.

Kristina Patring, religious freedom expert at the Swedish Mission Council, contributed concrete examples from different parts of the world on how freedom of religion and belief can be strengthened. She states after the meeting:

– It is extremely positive that today we heard a broad political panel from the foreign affairs committee agree on the need to raise and clarify freedom of religion and belief in foreign policy, trade policy and aid policy, and that there is a general need for an increase in knowledge both about the right and the role of religion in society in general.

– At the same time, the conversations in the panel and the questions during the seminar showed the importance of not putting freedom of expression and freedom of religion in unnecessary opposition to each other based on our own domestic debates about, for example, Koran burnings and how they in turn affect Sweden’s position in the world. As we write in our FAQ, there is reason to be vigilant about how the practical exercise of freedom of religion and belief may be affected when politicians in the Riksdag reason about restrictions on freedom of expression based on Swedish security.

Niklas Eklöv, adviser at the Swedish Mission Council and moderator during the seminar adds:

– From SMC’s side, we wanted to contribute with a broad and up-to-date overview of how freedom of religion and belief is central to all work for democracy, human rights and sustainable development. We also wanted to create an opportunity for conversation about how Sweden’s foreign policy can be sharpened in terms of the work for freedom of religion and belief for all. Both of these objectives were met, which we are happy about. On the other hand, there is much more to be desired in terms of concretization and systematization both in the government’s management of foreign and development policy, and how Swedish authorities and embassies implement the policy. Therefore, both talks and work must be allowed to continue, not least with the Riksdag’s Foreign Affairs Committee, the Foreign Ministry and Sida on these issues. The Swedish Mission Council will continue to act as a resource organization for both decision-makers, civil servants and civil society.