International law

International law consists of rules and principles governing the relations and dealings of states and other international actors with each other. International law is primarily based on treaties (agreements) and customary law. International law requires respect for the Charter of the United Nations and for the principles of territorial integrity and the prohibition on the use of force. International law also includes rules about accountability for international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. International law includes human rights, international humanitarian law, international criminal law and treaty law.

Responsible for international law

Responsible minister

Ann Linde, Utrikes­minister
Ann Linde Minister for Foreign Affairs

Shortcuts

News about international law

  • Sweden in the UN Security Council – humanitarian law and protection of health care

    • Folkrättsdagen Photo Moa Haeggblom13.jpg

      “We are facing many challenges, but Sweden is beginning its second year in the Security Council with determination and the goal to achieve to concrete results,” said Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström in her speech at the 2018 International Law Day.

      Photo: Moa Haeggblom/Government Offices

    • Folkrättsdagen Photo Moa Haeggblom9.jpg

      Dr Helen Durham from the International Committee of the Red Cross urged Sweden to work to ensure that the Security Council does not introduce new terms into the text of its resolutions that could be confused with established humanitarian law terms.

      Photo: Moa Haeggblom/Government Offices

    • Folkrättsdagen Photo Moa Haeggblom15.jpg

      “For international law to have an impact, it must be supported by political will, active diplomacy, political and diplomatic courage and an eternal struggle,” said Marie Jacobsson, Principal Legal Adviser on International Law at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

      Photo: Moa Haeggblom/Government Offices

    • Folkrättsdagen Photo Moa Haeggblom20.jpg

      International Law Day took place in the Bank Hall at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

      Photo: Moa Haeggblom/Government Offices

    On 1 February 2018, International Law Day hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) brought together roughly 100 guests from academia, civil society, the justice system, embassies and government agencies. The theme of the day was ‘Sweden, the Security Council and international law’. One focal point was Sweden’s efforts in the United Nations Security Council to improve the protection of health care in armed conflict. Panelists included Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström and Dr Helen Durham, Director of International Law at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).