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Foreign direct liability claims in Sweden: learning from Arica Victims KB v. Boliden Mineral AB?

This article examines the feasibility of foreign direct liability claims in Sweden, using the case Arica Victims KB v. Boliden Mineral AB as a starting point.

Rasmus Kløcker Larsen / Published on 11 November 2014

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Citation

Larsen, R.K. (2014). Foreign direct liability claims in Sweden: learning from Arica Victims KB v. Boliden Mineral AB?. Nordic Journal of International Law, Volume 83, Issue 4, pages 404 – 438.

On 12 September 2013, what may be the first foreign direct liability claim in Sweden was filed in the County Court of Skellefteå, a court action reflective of a growing wave of civil liability suits in European jurisdictions to hold transnational corporations accountable for human rights violations and environmental damages.

This article examines the feasibility of foreign direct liability claims in Sweden, focusing on enabling conditions with regards to jurisdiction, collision rules and applicable law, substantial legal basis, procedural and practical circumstances, and the theories by which parent companies can be held liable for negligence in supervising acts of subsidiaries and contractors.

It is demonstrated that foreign direct liability claims on environmental damage are indeed possible in Sweden, albeit with considerable constraints, primarily of a procedural and financial character. The conclusion provides some cautious remarks on the merits of the claim against Boliden and the reform options available to a Swedish government committed to improving the access to justice for victims of violations perpetuated by Swedish companies, their subsidiaries and contractors.

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SEI author

Rasmus Kløcker Larsen
Rasmus Kløcker Larsen

Team Leader: Rights and Equity

SEI Headquarters

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10.1163/15718107-08304002 Closed access

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