Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Madame President,
Sweden fully aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union and thanks the Fact-Finding Mission for presenting its findings. It is deeply regrettable that the Government of Venezuela still does not allow members of the Fact-Finding Mission to visit Venezuela.
The Fact-Finding Mission’s report has highlighted an increase of grave human rights violations, including the criminalization of the work of political opponents, human rights defenders, journalists and other media workers, union leaders and other individuals that document or denounce such violations or are perceived to interfere with government interests. Perpetrators of human rights violations continue to benefit from systemic impunity.
We welcome the ongoing political negotiations and expect them to result in the restitution of democracy, rule of law and human rights in Venezuela. We hope that the National Electoral Council can contribute to free, fair and inclusive regional and local elections on November 21st, as a first step.
- How do you assess that the justice system could guarantee the security of opposition candidates and voters in the upcoming elections?
Thank you.