Inconvenient Human Rights: Water and Sanitation in Sweden’s Informal Roma Settlements

摘要

Following an increase in Roma migration under the European “freedom of movement” laws, Swedishmunicipalities initiated more than 80 evictions of informal Roma settlements on the grounds of poorsanitation between 2013 and 2016. These evictions echo policies from earlier in the 20th century, whenRoma living in Sweden were often marginalized through the denial of access to water and sanitationfacilities. The recent Swedish evictions also follow similar government actions across Europe, whereRoma settlements are controlled through the denial of access to water and sanitation. However, accessto water and sanitation—central aspects of human health—are universal human rights that must beavailable to all people present in a jurisdiction, regardless of their legal status. The evictions describedhere violated Sweden’s obligations under both European and international human rights law. Morepositive government responses are required, such as providing shelters or camping sites, setting uptemporary facilities, and directly engaging with communities to address water and sanitation issues.The authors conclude by providing guidance on how states and municipalities can meet their humanrights obligations with respect to water and sanitation for vulnerable Roma individuals and informalsettlements in their communities.