UPR 36th session - Statement by Sweden in the review of Liberia

Madam President,

Sweden acknowledges the continued work of the Government of Liberia to improve the situation of human rights, and to advance democracy and gender equality. This includes the renewed commitment to reduce incidences of rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence and steps taken to enhance the promotion of SRHR. However, Sweden is concerned about the legal restrictions on access to safe abortion and would like to encourage Liberia to make further efforts to improve gender equality.

Sweden would like to make the following recommendations:

1. Take further steps to increase women's participation in political processes, including consideration of provisional special measures in line with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
2. Take measures to ensure and expand women's and girls' access to safe and legal abortion.
3. Allocate sufficient resources to implement the Anti-SGBV Roadmap, in particular with the purpose to improve access to psychosocial support and trauma care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, especially in rural areas.

Thank you.