A Hong Kong couple has filed a complaint with the United Nations over Swedish authorities’ plans to permanently transfer the guardianship of their four-year-old daughter to a foster family.
The complaint was submitted to the UN Human Rights Committee, with the parents alleging that Sweden has violated their human rights during the custody case.
The dispute involves Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin, whose daughter, Lily, has been in foster care in Sweden.
According to the couple, Swedish authorities subjected Lily to arbitrary care, deprived the family of their right to family life and denied them a fair trial.
“The core demand is to have Sweden release Lily,” Tsang told the South China Morning Post.
He said the family fears permanently losing their daughter if the guardianship is transferred.
According to Tsang, new legal guardians could then apply for Swedish residency or a Swedish passport on Lily’s behalf.
The case follows a lengthy legal dispute between the couple and Swedish authorities over the child’s welfare.
The custody case has previously drawn attention in both Hong Kong and Sweden.
Earlier this year, Swedish courts upheld plans to transfer Lily’s legal guardianship to her foster family despite appeals from her parents.
The latest complaint shifts the case to the international level, with the couple asking the UN Human Rights Committee to examine whether Sweden breached its human rights obligations during the proceedings.
The case remains ongoing, and Swedish authorities have not publicly responded to the complaint.
