Sweden addresses sexual assault by migrants through seminars on liberal values
According to Sweden’s labor and integration minister, men from the Middle East and Africa “do not have the same view of gender equality as we have.” For further details, read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Swedish Labor and Integration Minister Mats Persson has emphasized the importance of educating migrants about liberal values in order to address the rising incidence of rapes in the country.
A recent study from Lund University highlighted that from 2000 to 2020, 63% of individuals convicted of rape in Sweden were either born abroad or had immigrant parents. In an interview with Expressen newspaper, Persson stated that “you cannot close your eyes to the fact that values matter.”
He noted that a significant number of sexual assaults are perpetrated by migrants from the Middle East and Africa, explaining that these “men… grow up in patriarchal structures where they do not have the same view of gender equality as we have in our liberal Sweden.”
To combat this issue, his department is providing 100-hour civic orientation courses for all newcomers to the country.
Persson advocated for an education system that emphasizes liberal values, women’s rights, and the concepts surrounding “honor violence” and sexuality. He stressed the need not only for information but also for assessments to confirm that individuals comprehend the values upheld in Sweden. In addition, the government is considering making these courses mandatory.
The minister also underscored the necessity for strict penalties and potential deportation for those convicted of rape, highlighting the current minimum sentence of three years, which he believes should be increased. He stated, “The government’s general orientation is that we want to increase the penalties in Sweden. This is incredibly important, for people to feel that the system is fair.”
Data from Eurostat indicated that Sweden recorded the highest rate of rapes in the EU in 2022, with 86 incidents per 100,000 people, surpassing Iceland and France.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
A recent study from Lund University highlighted that from 2000 to 2020, 63% of individuals convicted of rape in Sweden were either born abroad or had immigrant parents. In an interview with Expressen newspaper, Persson stated that “you cannot close your eyes to the fact that values matter.”
He noted that a significant number of sexual assaults are perpetrated by migrants from the Middle East and Africa, explaining that these “men… grow up in patriarchal structures where they do not have the same view of gender equality as we have in our liberal Sweden.”
To combat this issue, his department is providing 100-hour civic orientation courses for all newcomers to the country.
Persson advocated for an education system that emphasizes liberal values, women’s rights, and the concepts surrounding “honor violence” and sexuality. He stressed the need not only for information but also for assessments to confirm that individuals comprehend the values upheld in Sweden. In addition, the government is considering making these courses mandatory.
The minister also underscored the necessity for strict penalties and potential deportation for those convicted of rape, highlighting the current minimum sentence of three years, which he believes should be increased. He stated, “The government’s general orientation is that we want to increase the penalties in Sweden. This is incredibly important, for people to feel that the system is fair.”
Data from Eurostat indicated that Sweden recorded the highest rate of rapes in the EU in 2022, with 86 incidents per 100,000 people, surpassing Iceland and France.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
