Kringresande register facts for kids

In late 2013, news came out about a special list kept by the police in a part of Sweden called Scania. This list was called "kringresande," which means "travellers." It included the names of about 4,500 people who were connected to the Swedish Travellers, a group of people with a unique culture often called Rroma. About 1,200 of the people on this list were children under 18 years old. Later, in 2017, courts in Sweden decided that this list was unfair because it was based only on people's ethnic background. As a result, 12 Rroma people were given money to make up for what happened.

Who Are the Swedish Travellers?

The Swedish Travellers are a group of people who have lived in Sweden for a very long time. They are part of the larger Rroma culture, which has a rich history and traditions. Many Rroma groups have a history of moving around, which is why they are sometimes called "travellers." They have their own language, music, and ways of life that are important to their identity.

Their Culture and History

The Rroma people, including the Swedish Travellers, have a long and interesting history. They have contributed a lot to the cultures of the countries where they live. They are known for their strong family ties and their unique cultural expressions. Like many groups, they have faced challenges over time, but they have always worked to keep their traditions alive.

What Was the "Travellers" Register?

The "kringresande" register was a list of names kept by the police in Scania, Sweden. This list was created in 2013. It included people who were linked to the Swedish Travellers. The list had about 4,500 names on it. A big concern was that many of these names belonged to children. Around 1,200 children under the age of 18 were on this list.

Why Was the Register Controversial?

The register became very controversial because it seemed to be based on people's ethnic background rather than on any actions they had taken. In Sweden, it is against the law to treat people differently because of their ethnicity. Many people felt that keeping a list like this was unfair and went against basic human rights. It raised questions about privacy and equal treatment for all citizens.

The Court's Decision in 2017

After much discussion and investigation, Swedish courts looked into the "kringresande" register. In 2017, the courts made an important decision. They ruled that the register was indeed based only on ethnicity. This meant it was not fair or legal.

Compensation for Affected Individuals

Because the register was found to be unfair, the courts decided that some of the people affected should receive compensation. Compensation means money given to someone to make up for harm or unfair treatment. In this case, 12 Rroma people were given 5,000 Swedish crowns each. This decision was a way to acknowledge the harm caused by the register and to uphold the principle of equal rights for everyone.