Sweden Ordered to Address Healthcare Discrimination Against EU Migrants, Says Human Rights Group

The European Committee of Social Rights has ruled that Sweden violated the European Social Charter by denying equal healthcare access to vulnerable EU migrants, including members of the Roma community, according to a joint complaint by Amnesty International and Médecins du Monde International. The decision marks a significant step in addressing systemic discrimination in the country’s healthcare system.

What Did the European Committee of Social Rights Ruling State?

The committee found that Sweden’s requirement for EU visitors to have health insurance from their home country disproportionately affected vulnerable migrants, particularly Roma, who often lack such coverage due to systemic barriers. This policy, the committee ruled, violated the right to healthcare without discrimination under the European Social Charter. The decision followed a 2023 complaint alleging that Sweden’s laws created a “two-tier” healthcare system, where some EU citizens faced financial barriers to care.

How Does This Affect Vulnerable EU Migrants?

Vulnerable EU migrants, including Roma, face structural racism and limited access to public services across the EU, according to the complaint. In Sweden, many were denied subsidized healthcare and forced to pay full costs for treatment, deterring them from seeking care. Amnesty International documented 129 cases of such denials, with individuals reporting fear of medical debt and deteriorating health. The committee emphasized that Sweden’s obligations under the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights require equal healthcare access for all residents.

What Are the Implications for Sweden and the EU?

The ruling compels Sweden to amend legislation to ensure all EU citizens, regardless of insurance status or stay duration, have access to subsidized healthcare. Anna Johansson, director of Amnesty International Sweden, called the decision a “major victory” for human rights, stating that Sweden must close “this discriminatory loophole.” The committee also highlighted the broader need for EU countries to combat structural racism, noting that Roma communities face “hostile political and media environments” and inadequate housing, education, and healthcare across the region.

What Is the Next Step for Sweden?

After the Committee of Ministers adopts a recommendation on the ruling, Sweden will have two years to submit a report on compliance measures. The committee will then assess whether the country has aligned its policies with the European Social Charter. Meanwhile, Amnesty International and Médecins du Monde International are pushing for systemic reforms to ensure healthcare access for all EU migrants, arguing that the ruling sets a precedent for other member states. “Human rights know no borders,” Johansson said, urging nations to uphold the universality of social rights.

For more information, contact info@amnesty.se or press@medicinsdumonde.org.