Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Madame President,
Sweden aligns itself with the statement delivered by France on behalf of 26 EU Member States.
The unfolding human rights situation in Afghanistan is deeply alarming, notably for women and girls. Violations and abuses must be investigated.
We also call for accountability for human rights violations and abuses in Tigray and northern Ethiopia. The forthcoming report of the joint investigation will be essential in this regard.
In Russia, the situation for human rights, democracy and the rule-of-law continues to worsen. With the rest of the EU, we urge Russia to ensure freedom of expression and assembly, including for civil society, independent media and political opposition.
We reiterate our strong condemnation of the military coup in Myanmar, and of the use of deadly violence against peaceful protestors. Election results must be respected and those detained released.
The human rights situation in China remains concerning, not least in Xinjiang, Hongkong and Tibet. Human rights violations target persons belonging to minorities, human rights defenders, lawyers and media workers. The continued arbitrary detention of Swedish and EU citizen Gui Minhai must end.
The use of counter-terrorism legislation to restrict human rights in Egypt and Saudi Arabia remains deeply worrying. We call on these countries, and Iran, to ensure freedom of expression and assembly for all, including human rights defenders.
The human rights situation in Belarus is grave and deteriorating, with arbitrary arrests of opposition members, silencing of independent media and civil society.
Finally, we raise the continued human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including settler violence. The Palestinian government needs to ensure respect for human rights in areas under its control. In Gaza, serious human rights violations continue to affect the population.
Thank you.