On 14 April 2023, the Swedish Institute for Human Rights formally applied for international accreditation status. ENNHRI welcomes this important step for the institution and towards further strengthening the human rights framework in Sweden.  

Just over a year after the Swedish Institute for Human Rights started operations in January 2022, it has formally requested that their accreditation be considered by the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation. The Swedish Institute is an associate member of ENNHRI and following its request for international accreditation, it is now in the process of further entrenching its position in the global NHRI system.  

In our recent statement, ENNHRI welcomes this crucial step taken by the institution and highlights the importance of the existence of an NHRI in compliance with the UN Paris Principles in Sweden. Further, it outlines the need for national authorities to ensure an enabling environment for the functioning of NHRIs. 

The importance of the existence of an independent and effective NHRI continues to be reaffirmed by the growing recognition by key international and European stakeholders. In particular, all EU institutions have now called for Member States to establish an NHRI in compliance with the UN Paris Principles. 

Under the ongoing Swedish Presidency of the European Council, EU Member States have adopted Council Conclusions that, in addition to recognising the value of NHRIs also encourage all states to establish an NHRI, adopt a legislative framework enabling them to carry out their role independently, and to provide them with the adequate mandate and resources to carry out their tasks effectively.   

The functioning and strengthening of the Swedish Institute is thus key to ensure that Sweden can fulfil its international and regional commitments to have an NHRI in the country. 

ENNHRI remains ready to support the Swedish Institute for Human Rights throughout the accreditation process. In addition, ENNHRI is available to provide further information to national authorities on relevant international and regional standards applicable to NHRIs and the importance of having such an institution in Sweden.  

Read our full statement in support of the Swedish Institute for Human Rights here.