Human rights

Human rights were written by the UN, the United Nations. These are texts that encourage all the countries in the world to take responsibility for ensuring that everyone can live a good life. These are not laws, but many of these texts have been signed by a lot of countries, who have promised to abide by them.

The European Convention and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

There are also laws that state that human rights must be respected. The law that applies in Europe is the European Convention. The European Convention is a law in Sweden.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is also a law in Sweden. The convention contains human rights for children under the age of 18.   

All laws and decisions in Sweden must be in accordance with the European Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Examples of human rights

Here are examples of human rights that can affect your life:  

• You are to be present and make decisions on things that apply to your own life.
• When adults make decisions that affect children, they must always consider what is best for the children.
• Children and adolescents are to be protected against violence and abuse.
• Children cannot be forced to work.

• You have the right to your own opinion and to state what you think in writing, through talking or making a video about it. However, if there is anything that could insult others, you cannot always say what you think.
• You have the right to flee to another country if you are persecuted or if your life is in danger.
• Countries are obliged to receive refugees and try to help them enjoy a good life. 

• You have the right to good health and health care when you need it.
• You have the right to marry a person that you want to marry, and no one can force you to get married.
• You are equal to the person you marry, and you are not to be treated as if you have less value.
• You have the right to an education so that you can succeed in society.
• You have the right to payment for work that you do, and your workplace must be safe and secure.
• You have the right to rest and have a holiday period.

• You have the right not to be discriminated against.
• Schools must provide all students with knowledge about their rights.

• Politicians must respect human rights when they make decisions.

If your human rights are violated

You can file a report to the police, the Equality Ombudsman, DO or the Ombudsman for Children if you think that someone has violated your human rights.