Delivered by: Mr Fredrik Nivaeus, Minister Counselor, Deputy Permanent Representative
Mr. President,
Sweden aligns with the EU.
Sweden highly values OHCHR’s invaluable work in promoting respect and protection of human rights around the world. To ensure OHCHR’s capacity, adequate and consistent funding must be secured. In 2022, Sweden provided approximately 10 MUSD in flexible core support, and about as much in earmarked funding.
Sweden urges Cambodia to open up civil and political space and end its persecution of political opponents and human rights defenders, [particularly ahead of the national elections next year]. We reiterate the need to ensure political participation, freedom of expression, opinion, association and assembly.
Regarding Yemen, Sweden supports the National Commission of Inquiry and regrets the non-renewal of the mandate of the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts. We reiterate the need for such a mechanism. We welcome OHCHR’s assistance to the National Commission and call on all parties to implement its recommendations. We urge the parties to engage constructively with UN Special Envoy Grundberg to reach a renewed truce.
We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. While commending Georgia’s efforts, we encourage further reforms in line with the twelve priorities identified by the European Commission in June 2022 when granting the country its European perspective including reforms for an independent judiciary, intensified efforts against gender-based discrimination and violence, and for the protection of human rights of persons belonging to vulnerable groups. We call for immediate and unimpeded access for OHCHR and other human rights mechanisms to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Sweden supports Colombia´s peace efforts and welcomes the Government’s priorities to implement the Peace Agreement with FARC and improve the security situation of human rights defenders. The OHCHR, with its high credibility and strong field presence throughout the country, is a key actor and partner to achieve a lasting peace in Colombia.
Thank you.