Implementing International Human Rights Law on Behalf of Asylum-Seekers and Refugees: The Record of the Nordic Countries

Abstract

This chapter surveys the main issues that have arisen before the six UN human rights treaty bodies in respect of the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees in the Nordic countries. In reviewing the record of these countries, the intention is to assess how well they have implemented their international human rights obligations in certain areas of refugee protection. The chapter places considerable emphasis on the obligations of international human rights law resulting notably from the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. This chapter has surveyed the current state of play on key issues which affect asylum policies and practices in the Nordic sub-region. A short conclusion is that there is room for improvement, and it is suggested that the Nordic countries be held to high account for shortcomings in their asylum policies, laws and practices. Keywords: asylum seekers; International human rights; Nordic countries; refugees