Statement by Sweden. Delivered by: Mr. Fredrik Nivaeus, Minister Counselor, Permanent Mission of Sweden in Geneva
Mr. President,
Loving the person of your choosing or living openly as who you are, sometimes comes with great and unacceptable risks.
LGBTIQ persons suffer human rights violations and abuses in every part of the world and are often at heightened risk of being subjected to violence, discrimination, and stigmatization. Transgender and other gender-diverse persons are especially exposed.
This must end. It is the duty of states to respect, protect and fulfil all human rights for all without discrimination.
In 2016, this council strongly deplored acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the world, committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and decided to appoint an independent expert on this matter.
The establishment of the mandate, and its prolongation in 2019, were historic achievements putting these issues squarely on the agenda both here and in New York. Plenty of work remains to be done, not least because same-sex relationships remain criminalized in almost 70 states.
Let us repeat this historic achievement when the mandate is up for renewal this summer. Love is love, not a crime.
I thank you.