Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Madam President,
Sweden is deeply concerned by the violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law committed during the conflict, including the heinous and systematic use of sexual and gender-based violence. We are alarmed by the widespread hate speech and ethnic violence, which exacerbates ethnic divides and further complicates prospects for sustainable peace and reconciliation.
Human rights must be respected. We call on all actors to refrain from hate speech, ethnic profiling, and incitement to violence. Arbitrary arrests are unacceptable. We further call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, to agree a ceasefire and engage in genuine efforts for a political and sustainable solution. We fully support the African Union’s efforts to engage the parties in talks.
Madam President,
All reports of violations and abuses must be investigated and accountability ensured in an impartial and transparent manner. Impunity cannot be tolerated. We welcome the efforts of the Ethiopian Government to this end, including the establishment of an Intra-Ministerial Task Force. Considering the scope of the violations identified by the Joint Investigation Team, further international, independent investigations to gather evidence are necessary. We therefore urge this Council to establish an independent international investigative mechanism and ask all parties to collaborate to ensure accountability.
I thank you.