11. Criticism from the UN

The UN special rapporteur for environmental defenders under the Aarhus Convention has come in with very strong criticism of the government and the Energy Agency regarding their actions in the matter. Sweden signed the Aarhus Convention in 2005, to ensure that people who exercise their rights in accordance with the convention should not be punished, persecuted or harassed in any way for their commitment. 

The document is a very elaborate and detailed document of 8.5 pages. 

It was sent to then-Foreign Minister Tobias Billström on August 16, but was only made public when Sweden submitted an official response in October. Both the UN’s letter and Sweden’s response can be found below (scroll down to Sweden):

https://unece.org/environmental-policy/public-participation/correspondence-regarding-complaints-special-rapporteur#accordion_37_0_3_6_9_12_15_18_21_24_27_30_33_39

It is a very strong and absolutely wonderful document. 

In principle, Sweden does not respond to anything in the letter and does not defend itself against the UN’s criticism, but refers to the fact that the matter is under investigation.