Amnesty International Challenges Swedish Migration Policy Changes Over Human Rights
Amnesty International Sweden voices serious concerns over proposed migration policy changes affecting human rights.
Key Points
- • Amnesty opposes the character requirement in the Aliens Act citing human rights risks.
- • The vagueness could lead to arbitrary interpretations and discrimination.
- • The proposal may unlawfully affect children and family's rights.
- • Concerns arise about a broader trend jeopardizing human rights in migration policy.
Amnesty International Sweden has voiced strong opposition to a proposed character requirement as part of the Aliens Act, raising significant concerns about its implications for human rights. As outlined in their statement on July 2, 2025, the organization argues that the vague language surrounding the proposed character assessment could pave the way for arbitrary interpretations, potential discrimination, and a serious erosion of legal certainty for migrants in Sweden.
The proposal allows for the denial or revocation of residence permits based on actions or behaviors that may not even be illegal for Swedish citizens, prompting Amnesty to emphasize that this violates the principle of equal treatment under the law. Lisa Långberg, a spokesperson for Amnesty Sweden, noted that the current proposal lacks a sufficient assessment of proportionality and threatens fundamental rights, including those related to private and family life.
Amnesty's criticism particularly highlights the adverse impact on vulnerable groups, with a strong focus on children under 18 who would also be subjected to these criteria. By including minors under this character requirement, Amnesty warns that the proposal risks contravening the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The organization has painted the character requirement as part of a broader political climate in Sweden that threatens civil liberties and underscores a shift in the governance of migration policies. Långberg stressed the need for clarity and legal certainty, stating, "It is unacceptable for critical decisions to be made on unclear and legally uncertain grounds, as this threatens the rule of law and disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, especially children."
With these concerns in mind, Amnesty International Sweden is calling for a reevaluation of the proposed changes to ensure compliance with both national and international human rights obligations, urging lawmakers to reconsider the implications of the character requirement before it is implemented.