Last week, at Barnrättsdagen 2026, organised by Rädda Barnen / Save the Children Sweden, youth featured in our film “Migrant Children: The Innocent Victims of Sweden’s War on Gangs” shared their reflections on recent and proposed policies affecting their lives. They spoke about laws targeting children and young people including proposals around criminalising “disrespectful” behaviour in school, lowering thresholds for punishment, and the use of measures such as electronic monitoring (Ds2024:30).
One youth raised a fundamental question: Where is the line between having a bad day and committing a crime? They described how unclear boundaries risk turning ordinary behaviour into something punishable, and how measures like ankle monitors could feel both disproportionate and stigmatising, especially for children who are still developing.
Another message was directed at decision-makers encouraging them to come and see the reality before making decisions. There was a clear call for more dialogue and for adults and policymakers to engage directly with young people and listen to their experiences before shaping laws that affect them. Importantly, they also highlighted solutions already emerging within their communities, pointing to local initiatives, like youth-led spaces, that provide support, safety, and belonging.
At HRJust, we remain committed to amplifying these voices and ensuring they are part of the conversation. Policies that impact children must be grounded in their lived realities, not assumptions.