National statement by Sweden. Delivered by H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Madame President,
Sweden aligns itself with the EU statement.
We condemn Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked aggression, supported by Belarus, against Ukaine. The continuous reports of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s aggression are alarming. Accountability for such violations must be ensured. Furthermore, the already extremely troubling situation for human rights, including for freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression, in Belarus and Russia has now been further exacerbated.
We are extremely worried about the deteriorated human rights situation in Afghanistan, especially for women and girls. All violations and abuses must be investigated and accountability ensured. We also call for an immediate halt to and accountability for human rights violations and abuses in Ethiopia and support on-going international and national efforts to this end.
The humanitarian situation in Myanmar since the military coup is alarming. Sweden strongly condemns the military coup, as well as the violence towards civilians by the military and calls for an immediate release of all those arbitrarily detailed. Sweden supports efforts towards a return to a democratic path in Myanmar.
The human rights situation in China remains concerning, including in Xinjiang, Hongkong and Tibet. Human Rights violations continually target persons belonging to minorities, human rights defenders, media workers and others exercising their freedom of expression. The continue arbitrary detention of Swedish and EU citizen Gui Minhai must end.
The human rights situation in Iran is deeply worrying, including the human rights defenders and persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities. The use of counter-terrorism legislation to restrict human rights in Egypt and Saudi Arabia remains seriously concerning. Freedom of expression and assembly must be ensured. Sweden, like the rest of the EU, also condemns the use of the death penalty in all circumstances.
Finally, the human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to be of concern, including the increasing settler violence. The Palestinian government needs to ensure respect for human rights in areas under its control. In Gaza, serious human rights violations remain worrying.
Thank you.