Human rights around the world 2007
Since 2003 the Ministry for Foreign Affairs publishes annual reports on the observance of human rights around the world. The reports for 2007 were published on the Government website for human rights in March 2008.
At present, the only governments to issue public reports on the situation regarding human rights in all countries of the world are Sweden and the USA. Interest in the Swedish reports is great and they are used by government agencies, teachers, individuals and business.
Globally, the government of Sweden believes that the long-term trend is positive regarding observance of human rights. A greater number of people enjoy more rights today than ever before. For example, there are fewer executions and more people can vote in free and fair elections. In many places there is greater acceptance for speaking about human rights. Economic developments in many parts of the world have brought better living conditions, educational opportunities and access to health care for millions of people. In 2007 the UN General assembly adopted a resolution against the death penalty for the first time since 1977.
At the same time serious violations of human rights continue to occur in many parts of the world. For example, in 2007, in their capacity of defenders of freedom of expression, 86 journalists were killed. In many countries discrimination particularly against women, lesbian, gay, bi- and transsexual people is still severe.
In areas of conflict and in dictatorships human rights are being violated continually and extensively. International efforts to combat terrorism also raise questions concerning due process and the prohibition of torture in international law.
Observations from the 2007 reports
EU Member States
Respect for human rights in the EU Member States is generally good but there are deficiencies in a number of areas. After the terrorist attacks in Madrid on 11 Mars 2004 and in London on 7 July 2005 the balance between respect for human rights and the state’s responsibility for the safety of its citizens has given rise to discussions on due process issues and the prohibition of torture. Criticism is directed at European countries in areas such as the rights of refugees, assaults by the police, human trafficking and the vulnerable situation of Roma.
Sub-Saharan Africa
There are positive trends in sub-Saharan Africa. For example, thirteen African countries have now abolished capital punishment. Twenty others have ceased to carry out executions. At the same time there are still conflicts in the region where respect for human rights is very inadequate.
Middle East and North Africa
Although conditions vary from country to country, an overall lack of positive developments is the main trait with regard to respect for human rights in the Middle East and North Africa . Capital punishment, for example, still exists in almost all the countries in the region. Women’s rights remain generally suppressed. Improvements in the freedom of expression have been noted in some countries over the past several years.
The Americas
Despite increased respect for civil and political rights in South America in general, there are areas of concern. Cuba is still an authoritarian one-party state whose inhabitants do not enjoy freedom of expression, freedom of association or an independent judicial system. Congested prisons continue to be a major problem on the entire South American continent.
In the USA, capital punishment is a much discussed problem. The country's fight against terrorism has also raised questions concerning human rights restrictions, for example as regards due process and torture.
Asia
Few improvements were noted in Asia. The human rights situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan has further deteriorated. The widespread oppression in Burma is unchanged, particularly after the bloody way in which the military put down demonstrators in the autumn of 2007. There are few signs of favourable developments in North Korea and China. Respect for freedom of religion in Tibet has deteriorated with the introduction of new restrictive regulations of activities at religious sites.
Last edited 2008-04-03
