Sweden under fire for controversial begging ban proposal

Activists from around the world are closely watching Sweden. This is because the Swedish government has attempted to take drastic measures concerning people experiencing homelessness. Rather than implementing a recovery programme, Sweden has considered criminalising begging.

The problem of homelessness affects residents across all countries. Sudden job loss, financial issues, rising rental and housing prices in the real estate market, and costly medical treatment are just a few of the myriad reasons why people lose their homes. Each case requires individual analysis. Contrary to prevalent and damaging stereotypes, homelessness is not always a result of alcohol or drug abuse. People in crisis often seek help, but the system is not always equipped to meet their needs.

The Swedish government is currently facing a storm of criticism, triggered by a proposal from the centre-right coalition, supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats. This proposal is considering the introduction of a ban on begging. The new law would be preceded by a months-long study to explore the feasibility of implementing a nationwide ban.

On Monday, 30 September, a press conference was held during which Linda Lindberg, the leader of the Sweden Democrats group, criticised foreigners who come to Sweden to "beg outside their shops". She added that Sweden cannot assume the role of "Europe's conscience".

The Christian organisation Stockholms Stadsmission, which supports people experiencing homelessness, has unequivocally condemned the idea of introducing a ban on begging. Fanny Siltberg, a spokeswoman for the organisation, told "The Guardian": "To ban begging, or to require permission to beg, is just shifting the problem in a futile attempt to outlaw poverty. Instead, we believe that this group’s vulnerability can be reduced through structural poverty reduction and work against discrimination – both in home countries and within the EU. It is long-term work. In the meantime, society needs to take responsibility, for example offering paths into the workplace and housing market and in that way reduce the social vulnerability of these people."

Aida Samani, Deputy Legal Director of the human rights organisation Civil Rights Defenders, expressed a similar opinion: "It is remarkable that the government is prioritising this in a situation that they themselves describe as a crisis of organised and violent crime," she said. "Then there is the question of the lawfulness of a ban. As far as I can see a national ban on begging would most likely not be lawful," she emphasised in an interview with "The Guardian". According to Samani, the ban would violate the right to privacy and freedom of expression, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.