A/HRC/55/47/Add.2 and regional projects where representatives of different religions work together to increase understanding and acceptance of religion, to reduce polarization and stereotypes, and to promote peaceful coexistence. One good practice has been the interreligious initiative Amanah, through which Jewish and Muslim religious leaders raise awareness and carry out joint outreach in schools, mainly in Malmö. The Christian Council of Sweden and the Swedish Muslim Council also bring together different groups. 41. In recent years, a number of challenges have brought freedom of religion or belief matters to the forefront for Swedish authorities, encouraging the realization that faith communities can and should be part of the solution. More authorities are communicating directly with faith communities, not only to transmit information in times of crisis but, increasingly, as part of ongoing dialogue, including meetings between representatives of faith communities and the Prime Minister and Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health. The Special Rapporteur appreciates that, in the context of the Human Rights 75 initiative, Sweden pledged to continue strengthening initiatives to combat racism and to promote freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief, including through dialogue with faith communities in Sweden and follow-up on the Special Rapporteur’s visit.8 C. Education on religion 42. Religion is a compulsory subject in both public and private primary and lower secondary schools and a foundation subject in upper secondary schools according to the national curricula; the focus is on learning about different religions without preference for any particular religious group. Although the Education Act provides for the possibility of exemptions from mandatory elements of teaching at the request of parents or guardians for special reasons, the provision is used rarely, with just one example of exemption in case law. The Special Rapporteur heard a number of concerns about this. Independent confessional (religious) schools are supported by the Government through a voucher system and must adhere to government guidelines on core academic curricula, including that of religious education. The Special Rapporteur heard concerns that Swedish legislation has defined, and very much narrowed, the religious elements that can be upheld in such schools. Classroom teaching should have no religious elements whatsoever. Prayers or classes on a specific religion may only take place outside the class schedule and with a provision for pupils to opt out. The Government maintains that the changes 9 provide clarification and are aimed at upholding the freedom of religion or belief of children, extending also to non-confessional schools. 43. In late 2022, the Minister for Schools stated that the Government would not go ahead with the previous Government’s proposed ban on establishing new independent religious schools. In 2021, the Swedish Schools Inspectorate was tasked with reporting on its review of confessional schools, and in 2023 it was tasked with strengthening supervision of confessional or other schools where a risk of extremism, Islamism or opposition to fundamental rights and freedoms was perceived. 44. Those meeting with the Special Rapporteur reported more frequent, unannounced and tougher inspections of confessional schools in 2023, leading to unease in the respective religious communities. Representatives from confessional schools reported a sense that their schools were viewed as being anti-democratic, promoting extremism, and less likely to be providing a safe and positive school environment. The Special Rapporteur notes that, while the Government’s need to ensure compliance with national regulations and the school curriculum is understandable, and its upholding of human rights (including children’s freedom of religion or belief) is commendable, this should not result in discrimination. A safe and positive school environment reflects the pluralism of its community and should be welcoming to positive values from many cultures. The projection of all positive values as “Swedish values” can be alienating and run counter to minority rights as upheld in the 8 9 8 See https://www.ohchr.org/en/human-rights-75/pledge/human-rights-75-pledges. See https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/0c56b9fa43ff4a468ce442c74c16aa12/tydligare-krav-pafristaende-forskolor-skolor-och-fritidshem-med-konfessionell-inriktning-prop-202122157/ (in Swedish). GE.24-04001