Men’s violence against women is one of the most widespread forms of crime in the world. Women are threatened, tortured, exposed to sexual violence and killed. This violence affects women from all groups in society; it is not linked to any particular ethnic origin or religious belief. Neither high income nor high age offer any kind of protection. We have many examples of how society has failed in its task of protecting women. Many children grow up in highly insecure conditions, and become victims of crime when a parent who should represent security commits acts of violence instead.
Pregnant and disabled women are especially vulnerable. Many women fleeing from violent relationships cannot be offered sheltered accommodation. There are women and girls who were born abroad that risk genital mutilation if sent back to their country of origin, And Swedish women who are forced to flee to other countries in search of protection. Women therefore become refugees on account of their gender.
At the Council of Europe’s summit in Warsaw in 2005 a political declaration – the Warsaw Declaration – was adopted, with guidelines for the organisation’s activities for the next few years. The Declaration highlighted the objective of achieving true gender equality. Measures to combat violence against women became a priority area and efforts to strengthen the rights of the child also won support at the summit. Thus, the campaign to curb violence against women, domestic violence and men’s violence against women had begun. In the run-up to the summit, the Swedish parliamentary delegation obtained support for its priorities in dialogue with Government representatives.
On International Women’s Day on 8 March various activities and events will be held in connection with the Council of Europe's campaign to stop men's violence against women and domestic violence. In June a coordination meeting for parliamentarians will be held in Strasbourg. The meeting will be an important opportunity to take stock of and assess Government activities.
Good examples will be compiled and presented after the campaign has ended in March 2008. Concrete results will be an important part of the evaluation. One objective is to draw up action plans. I welcome the fact that the Government shares this view of the need for an action plan. We have come a long way in terms of legislation, but there are indications that an increasing number of women continue to be the victims of this violence. Changing attitudes and behaviour seem to be even more important.
To bring about change it is also vital that more men get actively involved in these issues. Men and women have a common responsibility. Among other things, we need to encourage dialogue in places of work.
Force and sexual violence are also addressed in the campaign. Efforts must be intensified to eradicate trafficking in human beings. The Convention against trafficking in human beings has so far only been ratified by three countries: Moldavia, Austria and Romania. Therefore, the Convention that was intended as a tool for fighting trafficking in human beings and for giving women greater security has not been able to enter into force. Sweden should ratify the Convention without delay. The Government should also do what it can to encourage more countries, and also the EU, to sign and ratify the Convention without delay.
All countries have a responsibility to respect and protect their inhabitants, to prevent and investigate crime and to punish perpetrators. All countries also have a responsibility to offer women who are exposed to violence satisfactory protection. The Government and Parliament are responsible for ensuring that this commitment is fulfilled. The Riksdag supports the Council of Europe’s campaign. The Speaker, Per Westerberg’s, support has received attention both here and abroad.
The members of the Riksdag are united in their support for the campaign. Efforts are being made to include these issues in the work of the parliamentary committees during the year.
Sweden will take over the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe in 2008. Our Chairmanship will therefore bear the additional responsibility of incorporating the results of the campaign into the continued work of the Council. We can also, through dialogue between the Government and Parliament, consider new initiatives on the basis of experiences gained.
I would like to ask the Minister:
When does the Government intend to present its action plan against men’s violence and related issues?
In what way will the Riksdag and the Swedish delegation to the Council of Europe be involved in the drafting of the action plan?
Will the action plan include the aspects highlighted by the Council of Europe?
In what way does the Government intend to contribute to the Council of Europe’s campaign, for example with good examples?
What financial support does the Government intend to contribute to the campaign and who will be at the receiving end of such financial support?
In what way will the Government cooperate with other Nordic countries and with the Baltic countries regarding campaign-related issues?
When will Sweden ratify the Convention against trafficking in human beings and what does the Swedish Government intend to do to encourage the EU and other countries to ratify the convention?

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Carina Hägg (s)






Submitted according to the assignment