SRSG-VAC welcomes adoption of Swedish Bill incorporating UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into national law

“I warmly congratulate the Parliament of Sweden on its landmark decision to incorporate the Convention on the Rights of the Child into Swedish law," said UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Marta Santos Pais. 

“The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history. This important Bill is a strong reaffirmation of Sweden’s commitment to the realization of children’s rights and to the safeguard of children’s best interests everywhere and at all times. With this Bill’s entry into force in January 2020, the Convention will become a fundamental reference for any laws and policies affecting all girls and boys living in Sweden, as well as for institutions and professionals working with and for children," added SRSG Santos Pais. 

“In 1979, Sweden was the first country in the world to prohibit all forms of violence against children and today’s decision will help to further strengthen children’s protection from violence and ensure that every child grows up free from fear, neglect, abuse and exploitation, as called for by the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. We look forward to pursuing our close, long-standing collaboration with Sweden to accelerate progress towards this goal," stressed SRSG Santos Pais.