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This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the CRC in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
Sweden ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1990. Although the CRC has not been incorporated into national law, some aspects of it have been integrated into legislation, including the best interests of the child. The CRC does not take precedence over national law, but courts are expected to interpret and apply relevant laws in light of the CRC, as much as possible. A child’s custodian or guardian may bring actions in domestic courts on behalf of the child, and if the court accepts it, a child can personally bring an action. If a child needs to bring a criminal action against a person close to them, the national law provides a mechanism for a court-appointed representative, who is funded by the government. Children or their representatives can bring complaints against both private companies and State agencies to the Children’s Ombudsman. It is not possible to request a court ruling solely on the question of a legal provision’s constitutionality.
