The Swedish Institute for Human Rights (SIHR) is based, like the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, in Lund. RWI was a long-standing advocate for a Swedish NHRI and, since the SIHR became operational in 2022, has cooperated closely with the new institution. In addition to ongoing dialogue and exchange, the SIHR has also commissioned research from RWI in support of its ongoing work to promote and protect human rights in Sweden.
Cooperation between RWI and the SIHR
The law establishing the SIHR also designated the institution as an Independent Monitoring Mechanism under Article 33 (2-3) of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). In support of the institution’s efforts to effectively discharge this mandate, RWI has developed and delivered two reports, the first of which, in 2023, examined the interface between the SIHR and other Swedish actors in the independent promotion, protection and monitoring required under Article 33 (2-3) of the CRPD. The second, in 2024, looked more broadly at the assessment criteria that are applied to Article 33 (2-3) frameworks by both the CRPD Committee and the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation, where the mandate is held by an NHRI.
In 2025, the SIHR commissioned further research from RWI, this time in response to a growing crisis in Sweden’s prisons – where the population is predicted to treble within the next ten years. The SIHR – which, unlike many NHRIs, does not hold the mandate to independently monitor prisons under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture – asked RWI to highlight areas where Swedish prison law and regulations do not meet minimum international human rights standards, in particular those set out in the Nelson Mandela Rules, Bangkok Rules and European Prison Rules.
Background to the SIHR
In 2011, the Swedish Discrimination Ombudsman applied for accreditation as an NHRI compliant with the Paris Principles. However, the SCA only granted the Ombudsman a “B” status, due to concerns over its limited mandate and independence. In 2015 numerous countries recommended Sweden to establish a fully compliant NHRI during the Universal Periodic Review process. The government accepted these recommendations and announced that it would initiate the work of establishing such an institution.
In March 2021, the government put forward a bill to the Parliament to establish the new institution. A wide range of state and non-state actors were consulted on the proposition, with a network of civil society actors including RWI providing input (here, in Swedish). In April 2021 the government decided to appoint an Inquiry Chair to prepare for the formation of the new institution, including making proposals concerning organisation, staffing, rules of procedure and funding. For more information on the work of the Inquiry Chair, see here (in Swedish).
Finally, on 9 June 2021, the Swedish Parliament voted to approve the establishment bill, and the SIHR became operational on 1 January 2022. On 20th November 2024 the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation awarded the institution an “A” status accreditation.
How did The Raoul Wallenberg Institute support the process?
Having worked extensively to develop NHRIs and their capacity internationally[GN1.1], RWI was a long-standing member of the civil society network on the new Swedish NHRI, including hosting a key roundtable in 2016 on its future role and institutional set-up. The Institute also organised a series of webinars to raise awareness of and stimulate debate around, the new NHRI. The first of these was held on 10 June 2021, in the aftermath of the Parliament vote, and addressed critical issues including the implications for human rights in Sweden; the role of the new institution; and its quest for international legitimacy. A recording is available here. On 6 October 2021, a second webinar was held, focusing on the issue of how the NHRI will work with other Swedish authorities; information is available here.
Next steps to be taken
In its 2024 accreditation report, the SCA made a number of recommendations for the SIHR to further increase compliance with the Paris Principles. These focus on enhancing its legal framework, operational capacity, and accessibility.
A key recommendation is advocating for an explicit legislative mandate to both promote and protect human rights. While SIHR interprets its current role to include both functions, including this dual mandate into its enabling law will provide greater clarity and strengthen its standing as a compliant NHRI. Additionally, the SCA highlights the need to formalize transparent and participatory processes for the selection, nomination, and appointment of Board members, ensuring a merit-based approach that aligns with the Paris Principles.
Other recommendations include clarifying the grounds and procedures for the dismissal of Board members, as well as amending its enabling law to ensure the SIHR’s reports are formally considered and discussed in the Parliament. On operational matters, the SCA emphasizes the importance of diverse staffing to ensure pluralism in the context of gender, ethnicity or minority status. Increasing regional engagement is an important recommendation to enhance accessibility to the institution’s work.
Finally, the SCA highlights the need for sustainable funding to support the SIHR in its efforts to carry out its mandate effectively. Advocacy for progressive budget increases and safeguards against disproportionate cuts is crucial to fulfilling its mandate.