Programme

Sales of electric cars are increasing dramatically and many are cheering for the new 'green' means of transport. New battery types do indeed reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but what is the situation where the chemicals are mined? Increased aggressive mining in the Himalayas poses hardships to the sensitive environment as well as to the people downstream depending on its waters, and worsens the human rights situation of the already oppressed Tibetans.

Discover how our project harnesses digital solutions to amplify human rights education amidst the evolving conflict in Ukraine. Join our panel as we discuss the importance of balancing immediate security concerns with long-term sustainability goals. Learn how tailored digital education can empower Ukrainian partners, fostering hope for a brighter future that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Afrikagrupperna invites you to a crucial seminar with international guests from our partnerorganisation La Via Campesina, Christine Nabwami from Uganda and Brenda Muronda from Zimbabwe. In this seminar we delve into the pressing issue of food as a human right, and the global challenges surrounding it. Despite the inherent right to adequate, sufficient, and healthy food, more than 735 million people worldwide still suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Our world faces recurring food crises that demand urgent and coordinated action. It's time for us, both in Sweden and globally, to unite in our pursuit of a human rights-based approach to address these challenges. We must shift our focus from simply producing more food to building global and national food systems that prioritize accessibility, adequacy, and sustainability. We are at a critical juncture where the impact of conflicts, economic crises, and climate change on the right to food cannot be overstated. It is our collective responsibility to promote and protect the right to food in communities and conflict zones.  Afrikagrupperna promise you an interesting seminar full of;  Insightful discussions led by experts from La Via Campesina Southern Africa and Sweden Exploration of the current situation in respective countries Recommended strategies to ensure food sovereignty for all Valuable insights into the complexities of the global food system Learnings about actionable steps to promote and protect the right to food Network with like-minded individuals and organisations dedicated to addressing food insecurity issuesLet's come together to make a difference in the fight against hunger and malnutrition and ensure that access to healthy culturally appropriate food is not just for the privileged. Moderator:  Louise Lindfors, Secretary General, Afrikagrupperna. Panellists:  International guest and representative from La Via Campesina; Christine Nabwami from ESAFF Uganda and Brenda Muronda (secretariat) from Zimbabwe. Furhter panellists to be confirmed.  
 

Today, civil society actors face pushback across the world, especially in autocratic countries where repressive laws are spreading. Together with women’s rights organisation ACFODE from Uganda, the seminar will discuss strategies and ways to navigate in a shrinking civic space. This with a special focus on challenges and opportunities for women’s advocacy and political participation, and how it can be ensured in times of transitions, both in Uganda and Sweden.

'Green transition' projects add extra pressure on the land of the Indigenous Sami people in Sweden. Although the Swedish parliament has adopted a law on consultation in matters concerning the Sami people in 2022, human rights experts from the United Nations have criticised the lack of guarantees for their effective inclusion in decision-making. In this panel, we discuss the challenges and good practices for a meaningful consultation of the Sami.

The fast fashion industry thrives despite its continued human rights violations and its high negative impact on both our climate and environment. The situation calls for fashion industry businesses to ensure a just and sustainable transition. This seminar offers a unique opportunity to hear the perspectives of the rights holders - the garment workers - along with experts in human rights due diligence, discuss the requirements of this transition.

The Republic of Georgia has experienced backsliding in its democratic reform and EU accession process in areas of civic space and equal rights for women and LGBTI+ persons. Civil society has responded by advocating for equal protection. In this 45-minute panel discussion, Civil Rights Defenders will moderate an exchange on protecting equality during times of transition with representatives from Georgian Young Lawyers Association, Civil Equality Platform and Tbilisi Pride.  

Skellefteå is at the forefront of the green transition and is growing rapidly. The population growth is necessary for the establishment of Northvolt’s mega factory. Two out of three people moving to Skellefteå are men. If this trend continues it will create a tangible gender imbalance in Skellefteå, both in numbers and in purchasing power. How will this effect the local community and what can be done to counter it?