Renar i snödimma

Sami rights

We collaborate with Sámi civil society to promote Sámi rights and enhance respect for the rights of Indigenous peoples. Advancing these rights requires both political and legal reforms. While Sweden often sees itself as a global standard-bearer for human rights, it simultaneously fails to respect its own Indigenous people.

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I fight for indigenous rights

Same country, unequal rights

Civil Rights Defenders works together with Sámi civil society to ensure that the rights of the Sámi as an Indigenous people are respected in Sweden. Our work aims to strengthen Sámi human rights by increasing self-determination and influence over the use of land and water in Sápmi.

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Indigenous rights must be respected

The Sámi are Europe’s only recognised Indigenous people. Sweden is repeatedly criticised for failing to uphold Indigenous rights. Sámi rights are often pushed aside in favour of extracting natural resources such as forests and rare minerals. We work to ensure that Indigenous rights are respected and the Sámi people have influence over decisions affecting their traditional lands.

To draw international attention to violations of Sámi rights, we submit shadow reports to bodies such as the Council of Europe and the United Nations.

Read our shadow report

Violations by the Swedish State

Press and media

Are you a journalist looking to book an interview with one of our experts on Indigenous rights or with human rights defenders from Sweden?

For more information and inquiries, please contact us here:
+46 (0)76 576 27 62 / press@crd.org

Find our pressroom here

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