Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Madam President,
Sweden fully aligns itself with the EU.
Sweden highly values OHCHR’s invaluable role and work in promoting respect and protection of human rights around the world. To ensure OHCHR’s capacity, adequate and consistent funding must be secured. Sweden is a main contributor of core support and encourages other States to fulfil their financial obligations without delay.
Sweden urges Cambodia to reopen democratic space, including for civil society and media. We are seriously concerned that the justice system is being misused to systematically target human rights defenders. We reiterate the need to ensure political participation, the right to freedom of expression and opinion, association and assembly.
Regarding Yemen, Sweden strongly supports the National Commission of Inquiry and the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts. We welcome OHCHR’s assistance to the National Commission and call on all parties to implement their recommendations. We reiterate the need for a cessation of hostilities and an inclusive political process.
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 for an independent judiciary, intensified efforts against gender-based discrimination and violence and for LGBTQI-persons enjoyment of human rights. We call for immediate and unimpeded access for OHCHR and other human rights mechanisms to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Sweden appreciates the Philippines’ cooperation with OHCHR and encourages further cooperation with the ICC. We are concerned about enforced disappearances and deaths in the campaign against illegal drugs. We encourage the Philippines to strengthen protection of human rights defenders and to reopen schools closed due to the pandemic.
I thank you.