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due in part to domestic structural adjustment and the effects of the global
economic recession on the internal economic situation. The Committee notes
that the recession has aggravated the levels of unemployment, especially among
men and young persons.
141. The Committee also notes with concern the growing number of immigrants
whose economic, social and cultural rights Sweden should endeavour to protect.
The Committee further notes that the problems of this group are aggravated by
their unfamiliarity with Swedish culture and language, which renders more
difficult their ability to find gainful employment. The economic recession
has unfortunately contributed to rising social tensions, which have been
manifested in the rising number of cases of racism, xenophobia and segregation
and which have sometimes resulted in violence.
D.
Principal subjects of concern
142. The Committee notes that many of the Government’s social welfare
programmes have been curtailed in response to the changed economic conditions.
In this regard, the Committee notes with concern the adverse impact of the
economic recession on the living conditions of the most vulnerable groups.
143. The Committee notes with concern the lack of information possessed by the
Swedish Government in relation to the problems of child pornography and
domestic violence against women. The Committee notes that the Government
considers these to be serious problems and is concerned that the lack of
statistical information on these problems prevents both the Committee and the
Government itself from ascertaining the true extent of the problems and thus
hinders efforts to combat them.
144. The Committee notes that the Government of Sweden has not ratified ILO
Convention No. 103 (1952) on maternal protection in due course.
E.
Suggestions and recommendations
145. The Committee encourages the Government to continue to take adequate
measures to ensure that the reduction of its social welfare programmes does
not result in a violation of the State party’s obligations under the Covenant.
In this connection, the Committee recommends that particular attention be paid
to fighting unemployment and to ensuring the same degree of welfare for all
segments of Swedish society, as well as to speeding up the social integration
of immigrants.
146. The Committee urges the Government to intensify its efforts to combat
child pornography and domestic violence against women, as well as its measures
for monitoring and registering all such cases. It draws attention to the need
to ensure the imposition of appropriate penalties for such offences.
147. In view of the importance of maternity leave in the context of article 10
of the Covenant, the Committee encourages the Government in its stated
intention to review its position with regard to ILO Convention No. 103.
148. The Committee welcomes the delegation’s offer to provide additional
written responses to the issues raised but not fully addressed during the
consideration of the report, particularly regarding the status of the Covenant