Civil Society in Sweden: “We Must Defend Everyone’s Right to a Life of Dignity”

IM’s members describe a society where inequality is on the rise. Polarisation, segregation, and economic disparities are growing. People with foreign backgrounds face discrimination, children in marginalised communities lack the support they need, and women in abusive relationships do not receive adequate protection. At the same time, we are seeing a shrinking space for civil society, and political decisions that risk undermining both civic education and international solidarity.

“The most vulnerable are hit the hardest – by environmental destruction, lack of resources, and political priorities that widen the gaps,” one member shares.

Proposals for a More Just Society

There is a strong will among IM’s volunteers to be part of the solution. Here are some of the key proposals that have emerged:

• Strengthen civil society and democracy: Increase core funding for organisations working with integration, social inclusion, and democracy. Civil society should not be forced to take over responsibilities that belong to the state and municipalities.
• Improve integration and the labour market: Introduce incentives for employers to hire people with foreign names. Redirect resources from return migration programmes to integration efforts.
• Safer childhoods and youth support: Invest in preschools, schools, youth centres, and leisure activities – not in tougher penalties. Preventive work is key to reducing crime.
• Reform migration policy: Stop deportations of well-integrated individuals, shorten waiting times in the asylum process, and make better use of people’s skills and experience.
• Protect civic education and culture: Prevent political control of folk high schools and libraries. Free culture and independent education are cornerstones of a democratic society.
• Increase support for women affected by violence: Make projects addressing domestic violence permanent and place higher demands on efforts targeting perpetrators.

What’s Missing from the Public Debate?

Many of IM’s members feel that the public conversation around human rights has become increasingly narrow. They call for more focus on prevention and solidarity. Several point out that the debate has lost sight of a core principle: that all people are of equal worth and have the right to live in dignity.

“We don’t talk enough about what it means to live in a just society. It’s not only about rights – it’s also about responsibility, community, and real opportunities for everyone,” says one of IM’s committed members.

IM’s work to organise and mobilise people around human rights is more important than ever. At a time when injustice is growing and democracy is under pressure, we need more people to speak out for equality – in everyday life, in politics, and in public discourse.

Photo above: The “Lund Lyser” candlelight procession is organised annually by IM’s local association in Lund, in collaboration with the City of Lund and the Church of Sweden. On November 30 each year, hundreds of people march through the streets of Lund to take a stand against racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia. /Lund’s image archive