On 10 November, the HRJust project hosted a seminar examining recent developments in human rights protection in Sweden and their connection to broader global trends of democratic decline.

The event featured a keynote presentation by John Stauffer, Legal Director and Deputy Executive Director of Civil Rights Defenders. In his talk, “The State of Human Rights Protection in Sweden — and How it Relates to a Global Trend of Democratic Decline,” Stauffer provided an in-depth analysis of ongoing policy shifts and their implications for the rule of law. The seminar was hosted by Associate Professor Hui-Chieh Su (WP4) at National Taiwan University College of Law, with Research Professor Yen-Tu Su of Academia Sinica serving as discussant.

John Stauffer’s presentation focused on recent developments in Swedish policy, particularly in the areas of criminal justice and migration. While Sweden has long been associated with strong human rights protections, a progressive justice system, and comparatively liberal migration policies, recent changes indicate a shift toward more restrictive approaches. These developments were understood as part of a wider global trend, where states are increasingly adopting tougher measures in response to concerns related to crime, security, and social stability. The discussion highlighted how such shifts may impact fundamental rights and the overall strength of legal protections.

The seminar concluded with a discussion on the implications of these trends for democratic governance. Participants reflected on how the balance between security and rights is being renegotiated, and what this means for the future of human rights protection both in Sweden and globally.

The event formed part of HRJust’s ongoing work to examine how human rights are interpreted, invoked, and operationalised in state practice across different contexts. We extend our sincere thanks to the speakers, hosts, and participants for contributing to a thoughtful and timely exchange.