Statement by Sweden. Delivered by H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva.
Mr President,
Sweden fully aligns itself with the EU and thanks the High Commissioner for her report.
Sweden stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people and will continue our united efforts of support.
We condemn the Russian Federation’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine in the strongest terms. It is a flagrant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. We also condemn the involvement of Belarus in the aggression.
As we speak, Ukrainians lose their homes, their loved ones or their lives as a result of the aggression. Millions are fleeing, leaving everything behind.
Russia must respect international humanitarian law. Attacks against civilians by the Russian armed forces must stop. Detentions of democratically elected officials and violence against peaceful protesters are appalling and utterly unacceptable.
The Geneva Convention provides that journalists are entitled to all rights and protections granted to civilians in international armed conflicts. We call upon Russia to immediately respect this obligation.
We are appalled by reports of sexual assaults and rapes perpetrated by Russian armed forces against Ukrainian women and girls. Sweden condemns all acts of sexual violence in conflict.
All violations and abuses of human rights, and violations of international humanitarian law must be systematically documented and investigated. Accountability must be ensured.
Madame High Commissioner, what can be done to follow up on the reports of sexual violence by the Russian armed forces?