Response to interpellation 2024/25:624 on state core funding of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
The debate regarding state basic funding of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute focuses on the institute's role for human rights and humanitarian law 1 2. S considers the institute to be a world-class national resource that should have permanent state basic funding 3 4 5. S argues that the lack of basic funding makes it difficult to retain experts and that Sweden has received criticism from the UN for not strengthening the institute 6 7 8. S emphasizes that the supplement during 2025 is only temporary 3 4. L considers a supplement of 10 million to be an important recognition of the institute's significance 9. L argues that the quality of the research is crucial for the funds and that resources must be distributed according to quality 2 10.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Utbildningsministern Johan Pehrson (L)
Madam Speaker! Per-Arne Håkansson has asked me if I share the assessment that the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Lund plays an important role in promoting knowledge of human rights and humanitarian law and if I intend to comply with the letter that recently arrived from the institute regarding initiatives to ensure long-term state basic funding of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute's work.
In the world we live in today, it is important to promote knowledge of human rights and humanitarian law. Of course, I share Per-Arne Håkansson's assessment that the Raoul Wallenberg Institute plays an important role in that work.
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute is home to a library that is important for education and research on human rights. The library is the only one of its kind in Sweden and the largest in Northern Europe. The library's nearly 30,000 books are an important asset used for education and research at, among others, Lund University.
There has been a risk that the library activities would need to be phased out. Therefore, in the autumn budget for 2025, the government has proposed that 10 million kronor be added to strengthen the conditions for the library's continued operations. This is a much-needed addition during 2025 to support the library activities.
Regarding the communication received by the Ministry of Education concerning more long-term state funding, it deals with proposals for supplements beyond 2025. The communication is therefore being prepared in the Government Offices.
Per-Arne Håkansson (S)
Madam Speaker! I would like to begin by thanking Minister for Education Johan Pehrson for the answer.
It has now been over 80 years – on January 17, 1945, to be precise – since the Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg disappeared without a trace in Budapest. "The man with the briefcase" issued protective passports and established so-called Swedish houses, where Hungarian Jews could seek refuge on neutral ground.
Raoul Wallenberg has given its name to the institute in Lund that has now existed for 40 years, where humanity and humanism from scientific aspects characterize its existence. The research and project activities conducted there are based on human rights, international law, and humanitarian law.
I note that Minister for Education Johan Pehrson shares my view that the Raoul Wallenberg Institute plays an important role in promoting knowledge of human rights and humanitarian law. Based on the response, however, as I see it, there is still uncertainty regarding the long-term nature of the operations. It is also the long-term perspective that the communication which the institute has submitted to the government focuses on. Johan Pehrson argues that it is being prepared by the government.
In a time when more and more people in the world live in countries with deficient democracy – or completely without such – and authoritarian regimes are becoming more numerous, the work of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute may be more important than at any other time during its 40-year existence. The Institute is a unique and specialized human rights institution and enjoys extensive international respect for its work in research and education. The Institute also played a role in the creation of the Swedish Institute for Human Rights, which was established in January 2022. Violations of international law are, for example, mapped in what is designated as the world's first database of its kind in the field.
A major challenge has long been the lack of basic funding, which has made it difficult in grant application procedures and project work, as well as when it comes to attracting and retaining recognized experts. It is therefore long-term state commitment that is now requested. In this context, other similar institutes can be mentioned, such as Sipri, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which receives state support for basic research and projects. The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, Alva Myrdal Center in Uppsala, and the Folke Bernadotte Foundation are further examples.
In an interview in Dagens Nyheter some time ago, Johan Pehrson urged the Raoul Wallenberg Institute to apply for basic funding. Based on this almost direct request, I would like to return to the original questions regarding how Johan Pehrson views the possibilities of strengthening the Raoul Wallenberg Institute's future and whether he, in his role, intends to be proactive in the preparatory work that is currently underway.
Morgan Johansson (S)
Madam Speaker! First, a big thank you to Per-Arne Håkansson for repeatedly raising the question of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute's future! I would also like to thank the Minister for the answer, even though I think we could have received a bit clearer information. I hope that we can get that in this debate.
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Lund is a national resource. As Per-Arne Håkansson very rightly pointed out, the institute has a broad scope of activities. It conducts research on human rights in the world and direct operations in about forty countries to strengthen respect for the principles of the rule of law and human rights in order to promote democratic development. This is more urgent than ever when democracy is in retreat and when we see daily extensive violations of human rights, not least in war zones such as Ukraine, Palestine and Sudan.
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute enjoys a very high international reputation. This was demonstrated, not least last year, when the UN turned to the institute to examine the allegations brought against UNRWA regarding links to Hamas. At that time, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute was one of three research institutions in the world that contributed to the work. That says something about the status the Raoul Wallenberg Institute enjoys in the international research community.
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute also maps violations of international law in a database that is unique in its kind. They also run the library we previously heard about, which collects basic facts on human rights. That too is unique in the world.
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute is, therefore, a national resource. The question then is why there is no national, state basic funding. It surely cannot be because the institute is not located in Stockholm? That is what one would prefer not to believe.
The questions regarding the funding of the institute became acute last year when the entire library's future was at risk. It was resolved through a temporary supplement. Good so, but it only pushes the problem forward a few years – to the next government, perhaps the minister thinks.
The institute has, at the Minister's request in the DN article, applied for permanent funds from the government. But now he does not want to answer the question of whether the institute will receive basic funding. I can have some understanding for that because it will likely be decided in the autumn budget negotiations. But I still want to ask a question on the same theme as Per-Arne Håkansson, namely: Does Johan Pehrson intend to prioritize this issue in the budget negotiations this autumn?
Ewa Pihl Krabbe (S)
Madam Speaker! Yesterday I visited St. Mary's Cathedral in Visby. Under the cathedral's 800-year-old vaults, more than 5,000 peace doves in different colors and with different messages hovered, which thousands of Gotlanders – from preschool children to retirees – have worked on to manifest the message of peace ahead of the cathedral's 800th anniversary. It was a very beautiful and thought-provoking experience, and it is certainly thought-provoking for the Gotlanders in their vulnerable geographical position. The Raoul Wallenberg Institute may not focus specifically on peace projects and peacekeeping efforts, but their work clearly touches upon the thoughts behind this beautiful installation in Visby Cathedral.
It naturally pleases me that I can now state that the institute receives a supplement that secures the library for three years. But the American president's decision to abolish USA's international aid has resulted in the institute losing funding for three of its projects, which is a significant part of the budget. It concerns a project in Southeast Asia on climate and human rights and two projects in Armenia concerning the rule of law and the criminal justice system.
The application that has now been made is about ensuring the core operations. The library is a part of it. It constitutes a national resource for interlibrary loans and a very important resource for human rights and environmental issues. Securing the economy of the core operations also means that one can retain the expertise in the form of staff, as they are very attractive on other markets. My question to the Minister is naturally also whether the Raoul Wallenberg Institute can count on state basic funding.
Utbildningsministern Johan Pehrson (L)
Madam Speaker! I welcome this strong commitment to Swedish research and the research infrastructure that the library and the databases at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute constitute.
We hope that when the year-end budget has been properly established, there will be 10 million to secure the library itself for a period ahead. It is a much-needed addition specifically to support the library's activities.
I am the first to agree with the interpellator and the other debaters here in the Riksdag that the institute plays a very important role in the work of promoting knowledge about human rights and humanitarian law. This is undeniably needed in today's world – both in Sweden and in the world. We received examples here of how it is also used by others than Swedish researchers, not least when it comes to statements.
We also know that high quality in research activities is central, and for the government, the quality of the research is decisive for whether one can receive funds. One must seek it through competition. Through the research and innovation bill currently in effect, large investments are made in the possibility of this type of research – if it maintains high quality. I also, of course, welcome that the Raoul Wallenberg Institute or its closely affiliated researchers seek this to enable their own research in the subject.
The question of whether additional funds will be provided to the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, I ask that the government, if so, returns to in future budget bills.
Per-Arne Håkansson (S)
Madam Speaker! When it comes to research, as Johan Pehrson mentions, the international perspective is important. Precisely internationalization and diversity are at the core of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute's way of working. The Institute works with five thematic focus areas. All these areas are also relevant for researchers in different parts of the world and support, among other things, North-South cooperation.
Cooperation with international organizations occurs in several ways – for example, with the UN's special rapporteurs and through advice to the UN's processes for criminal justice standards. It also occurs in partnership with the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR, regarding the development of human rights and anti-corruption work.
Joint research projects with other faculties at Lund University are ongoing, such as with Lund University of Technology and with the Faculty of Law. The institute also works with EU projects, such as in a framework agreement with the European Agency for Fundamental Rights. Research in cooperation with municipalities is ongoing in the areas of disability, local governance, and climate migration.
For my part, I have on a couple of occasions received delegations from Zimbabwe here in the Riksdag regarding the ongoing development work and the work the institute carries out concerning democracy and the rule of law, civil and human rights issues, as well as anti-corruption.
Particularly relevant right now is the establishment of offices in Kyiv, Ukraine, which the institute is involved in to be present on the ground as a partner and resource in the upcoming EU accession process. It is a process that in itself requires long-term commitment and diligent work on the ground in Ukraine.
Madam Speaker! I understand that Johan Pehrson does not want to anticipate ongoing preparatory work, but I still want to ask how he views the importance of the activity and the importance of investing in issues from the perspective of human rights and humanitarian law within research and education. Are these not issues that are worth highlighting in Swedish research policy?
Morgan Johansson (S)
Madam Speaker! I had hoped to get a somewhat clearer answer from Johan Pehrson in the reply, but he does have another chance in the debate.
My perception is that the Raoul Wallenberg Institute is a national resource. A national resource of this kind should have permanent state funding. Just as Per-Arne Håkansson previously mentioned, there are a number of state institutions that have just that type of basic funding. It is therefore reasonable to also provide this to the Raoul Wallenberg Institute – especially against the background that the economy and the funding are now actually at stake.
As Ewa Pihl Krabbe previously mentioned, some grants have been reduced as a result of the USA's cuts to aid in total. This also affects the Swedish operations.
We are also in a situation where democracy is generally in decline across the entire world and is challenged everywhere. It is very important that an institute with the activities it has in so many countries and with the competence it has can continue – and that this can rather be strengthened than dismantled.
It would be very good if we could get a clear and distinct message from the government that this is something they want to invest in. The new money that is coming is much-needed, but it is temporary. It is just a matter of extending this for a certain number of years, so to speak.
I understand that Johan Pehrson cannot promise permanent funds today, and that the autumn budget negotiations will decide this. I still think that he could express a direction of intent, that is, that he intends to prioritize this issue in the autumn budget negotiations. I hope that we can get such an announcement.
Ewa Pihl Krabbe (S)
Madam Speaker! It is not only we Skånians who appreciate the Raoul Wallenberg Institute. It was founded in 1984 as an academic institute affiliated with Lund University – our university. It was founded with the mandate to promote human rights and humanitarian law through education, research, and capacity building both in Sweden and internationally.
The Institute has, as my colleagues have said, a very good reputation with the UN as a partner in the work of protecting and promoting human rights. The Institute's reports are appreciated and in demand at the UN. The Institute also has formal consultative status with the UN's Economic and Social Council.
One of the most current issues at the institute right now is, just as the interpellor said, that they are working on strengthening human rights in Ukraine ahead of a potential EU entry. This is being done through assignments from our Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Just over a year ago, Sweden received sharp criticism from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, partly because it was considered that Sweden had not sufficiently ensured the strengthening of the national institute for human rights – that is, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute.
There are, therefore, many reasons to ensure that the Raoul Wallenberg Institute receives state support for its core activities.
Utbildningsministern Johan Pehrson (L)
Madam Speaker! It is clear that the Raoul Wallenberg Institute sees the supplement of 10 million we are now talking about as an important recognition of its significance, its role within this area and its strong international reputation. I am aware that in addition to the library, they work with a breadth of research and educational activities. They have master's programs in humanitarian law, and they work very closely, not least, with the Faculty of Law at Lund University. The research at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute has been multidisciplinary and not least international through many partners all over the world.
When I have met with the institute's management, it has been important for me to listen, see what opportunities exist, and clarify that the research infrastructure in the form of the library is unique and has a national value.
Regarding support for research in other areas, I and the government believe that one should apply based on their merits. Whether the institutes, colleges, or universities are old, new, large, or small, I do not care. I am only interested in that they maintain high quality, something we in the chamber keep an arm's length distance from and others assess.
All researchers at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute are free to apply for the funds that are available.
The funding after the period that has now been secured through the resources the government has chosen to invest in this important activity can be returned to in the usual budget processes. I understand the interest, not least from representatives for Skåne. They would like to have a decision now, but I cannot give it. But if one invests 10 million in the supplementary budget, one does not do it because one thinks it is a poor activity, on the contrary.
Per-Arne Håkansson (S)
Madam Speaker! Sweden has over the years had a recognized good reputation for having been proactive in the work of producing international conventions and for safeguarding and developing issues regarding human rights.
When the Raoul Wallenberg Institute was formed 40 years ago, it was in a time of global commitment to issues of human rights, equality, and poverty reduction. USA's then-president Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away at the age of 100, was one of the leading figures in these issues, but now unfortunately, other tones are heard from USA and the White House.
It is a concern shared by many that the rules-based world order, where countries adhere to jointly developed conventions for fundamental rights and humanitarian law, risks being undermined.
As I see it, education and research are the key to continuing to develop and strengthen a rules-based world order, and here the Raoul Wallenberg Institute is world-class and can act as a counterweight to highlight knowledge and public education in these issues.
It is of utmost importance to follow up on today's questions, and I expect from the debate that Johan Pehrson takes this with him into the preparatory work and ensures that it is prioritized given the importance this has for strengthening the rules-based world order. Knowledge is the key.
Utbildningsministern Johan Pehrson (L)
Madam Speaker! I take this with me. Sweden shall be a strong advocate for high-quality research across the entire field, not least in issues of international law, humanitarian law and human rights. Important activities are carried out at many universities and institutes here in Sweden, and all of these deserve support. But the resources must be distributed according to quality.
We will have to return to this, but given the Riksdag's strong representatives for the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, it will be impossible for the government not to keep its eyes on this issue even in the future.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.